Michelle Rae Givvines' Obituary
Michelle Rae Givvines transitioned from this life to the next on January 7, 2026 following a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Throughout her illness, she was grateful for the loving and dedicated support of physicians and staff at the UF Health Shands Cancer Hospital in Gainesville, Florida.
Michelle was born on April 2, 1971 at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. Her life ended peacefully in the compassionate care of Community Hospice in St. Augustine, Florida, embraced by the supportive prayers of many dedicated friends and family.
Michelle is survived by her two beloved sons, James Thomas (JT) Givvines and John Michael Givvines; her devoted husband James William Givvines; her mom and dad Jim Rash and Bonnie Rash; her half sister Shara and niece Emily; her step sister Jacqueline Rash Johnston (Jason) and step brother Nicholas Rash (Brittany); her aunts Carolyn Widman Dibble, Mary Brooks Gilmore (Allen) and Charlotte Brooks Conant (Bob); and her uncles Ron Widman and Gene Brooks (Joyce).
Michelle was predeceased by her father Homer James Brooks; her grandparents John and Doris Brooks and Larry and Gladys Widman; her uncles Owen Widman and Alan Dibble (Carolyn); and her aunts Billie (Owen) Widman and Barbara (Ron) Widman.
Michelle was a mother and an artist. She loved making things -- jewelry and other crafts -- and gardening. In addition to her sons, her friends -- Chris, Barbie, and Michelle to name a few -- brought great joy to her. She was especially grateful to the University of Florida (UF) Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) and all who helped her find services for autism.
Michelle loved to be outdoors and held Mother Earth close to her heart. She communicated with her Creator through music and took great comfort from the wordless sounds and symbols – wind, trees, plants, flowers, sky, birds – that helped her understand the unconditional love. From her youngest days in the sandbox, she was in her element with her hands in the dirt and the sun on her face.
Michelle’s body was laid to rest, as she had wanted, in a green burial at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, under a tree, on January 17, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to UF CARD, 4101 NW 89th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606, Website: http://card.ufl.//edu; or Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, County Rd. 234, Gainesville, FL 32641; Website: http://prairiecreekconservationcemetery.org
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