Michelle Louise Newcomb (maiden name Donnelly), 53, of Lompoc, California, passed away on April 30, 2025, at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California.

Michelle's radiant spirit illuminated the lives of everyone she encountered. She moved through the world with joy and warmth, carrying an unwavering sense of tolerance and gratitude. Love was her constant companion, freely given to all—an unspoken promise that those around her were seen, valued, and cherished.

Her passion burned brightly, fierce and unapologetic, yet always tempered by deep compassion, empathy, patience, and kindness. She embraced life in full color—her personal style was an evolving masterpiece, reflecting the vibrant hues of her soul. Her ever-changing hair, diverse fashion choices, and undeniable exuberance made her a magnetic presence, admired and adored by many. Michelle was a living celebration, a reminder that life is best lived with fearless authenticity and boundless love.

Michelle was a true creative force, bringing artistry to every aspect of her life. Whether painting, drawing or crafting, she embraced creation with boundless passion. Her eclectic style radiated an energy that captivated anyone who explored her collection of trinkets, artifacts, and curiosities.

She nurtured beauty not just in her art, but in her surroundings—her love for gardening manifested in vibrant displays of California native plants, flourishing inside and out of her home. And when she danced, she expressed herself with the same unbridled joy—on stage, on the dance floor, or any open space where movement became poetry. Michelle was art in motion, living creativity in every form.

Michelle's passion for discovery knew no bounds. She embarked on her journey as an anthropologist and archaeologist later in life, embracing every challenge with relentless curiosity and an eagerness to share her knowledge. Her pursuit of learning was never solitary—she welcomed anyone willing to listen, teaching and inspiring through her experiences. She completed her coursework for her Master of Arts degree in Applied Anthropology with an archaeological specialization for faunal shell analysis, and was mere months away from completing and defending her thesis and graduating from Cal Poly Humboldt in the Fall of 2025.

Michelle was an extraordinary and affectionate protector of her fur-and-scaled babies. She loved all her various menagerie of animals throughout her life with abandon...husband included.

Michelle was a fierce ally of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and organizations, Native American cultural heritage, and animal rescue. If you would like to honor Michelle's legacy, she would be thrilled with a donation in her name to a local non-profit with specialties in any of the above. The family also supports any local Cancer research organizations

Michelle is survived by her loving husband & soul-mate Robert Newcomb; parents, David & Koreen Donnelly; brother and sister-in-law, Christopher & Tammy Donnelly; and in-law's and cherished family members throughout the US. She will also be missed by her beloved pets, DeeJay, JayCee, Hildegard & Seamus.

Rest with Love, our Princess, may your soul shine brightly to guide us.