Michael F. N. Michaud
Michael F. N. Michaud of Marblehead, Massachusetts died on October 11, 2021, at the age of 84. He was born at home in Lawrence, Massachusetts and died peacefully at home in Marblehead, surrounded by his loving family. Michael bravely and determinedly bore the increasingly limiting effects of a stroke for over six years.
He attended Sacred Heart grammar school in Lawrence. In 8th grade, he entered seminary at Marist College and Seminary in Framingham, MA. Upon completion of his studies there, he changed course and entered the Master’s program in Philosophy at UMass Amherst. An introspective man, avid reader, lover of history, and collector of art and literature throughout his life, Michael never lost his enthusiasm for exploring the world of ideas and his quest for knowledge.
Michael’s love of books led him to his life’s work in the publishing industry where he specialized as a book production manager. He worked at Addison Wesley, Prindle Weber & Schmidt, Applewood Books, and his own freelance business, Unicorn Productions, which produced Houghton-Mifflin’s Sports Almanac. This project combined his love of books with his passion for sports. A prolific writer, Michael’s journal keeping and two self-published novels were a deep source of satisfaction.
Being near water gave him life. Michael loved living on the neighborhood pond and spent many hours beholding the wildlife around it while sitting on his bench at the water’s edge. He also enjoyed kayaking and ice skating upon it. Michael loved his neighborhood by the sea, where he lived for over 40 years. He volunteered for committees, including the Waterfront and Lobster Bake as “Bakemeister,” happily showed up in costume for the neighborhood Horribles Parade on the 4th of July, and brought fun and laughter to every cocktail party. He met his wife, Lynn, in the neighborhood and was proud to boast that together they had once won the egg toss at the annual 4th of July games on the “green.”
Michael’s deep love for the sea led him into a partnership on a J35 sailboat, which gave him the satisfaction of several winning seasons in Marblehead’s Wednesday night races. He and his partners sailed out of Marblehead and many ports in Maine during summer months. His first “real date” with Lynn was a sailing excursion on that vessel.
Of all his loves, the greatest was for his children. According to his brothers, remarrying and becoming step father to his young daughters Annie and Molly, and the subsequent birth of his daughter, Claire, fulfilled his life profoundly. He joyfully devoted many hours as dad, teacher, camping and hiking guide, canoe helmsman, coach, ref, and number one fan at soccer and field hockey games. He would have been completely engaged and devoted to his grandchildren wherever their interests took them.
He was predeceased by his father, Romeo Michaud born in Oldtown, ME, and his mother, Amanda Michaud born in New Brunswick, Canada. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Lynn (Mercer) Michaud of Marblehead, his daughter, Claire Michaud of Beverly, MA and her partner, Dominic Brown; stepdaughters, Annie Hughes and husband James Lee of Barrington, RI, and their sons, Carter and Caleb; Molly (Hughes) Shively and husband Peter Shively of Wellesley, MA and their sons, Will and Graham. He is also survived by his brothers: Martin Michaud and predeceased by Marty’s wife, the late Pauline Michaud of Methuen; Richard Michaud of Boston; Dennis Michaud and his wife Janice of Los Angeles, CA. He leaves nephew Marc Michaud and wife Bonnie; niece Darlene Michaud; nephew Michael Michaud and wife Angelica; niece Kathy (Michaud) Thomas and husband Jason and a number of grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
The immediate family will be celebrating Michael’s life in a private gathering.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Care Dimensions (formerly Hospice of the North Shore), which provided great help and comfort to both Michael and Lynn.
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A beautiful testimony to a dear man.
Such a beautiful tribute to this amazing man. May god bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Michael made our neighborhood by the sea welcoming & warm. Love reading his wonderful story.
Beautifully written.
A wonderful legacy from a wonderful family.
Our children grew up together and we have spent many wonderful days and nights in the Hood. The loss of Michael will be deeply felt. All our love and prayers
He was so loved and will be so missed!
An amazing dad and family man and a courageous fighter and friend. Thinking of all of you and surrounding you with love.
We are all bereft at the loss of this quiet, contemplative and serene man. He loved so well- his family, his friends, his neighborhood, the sea..we mourn the loss of a true gentle man. RIP, Michael. I will always think of you as I watch the sailing craft heading out of our beautiful harbor.
Our deep condolences to Lynn, Claire, Annie and Molly, their families and everyone who loved Michael.
Christine, Alan and Ben
My dear friend, Lynn
Although I didn’t know your husband Michael, after reading about him I can tell he was a beautiful Man, both inside and out. I can also easily see how the two of you were devoted soul mates. You were indeed perfect for each other. My heart felt sincer condolences to you Lynn.
Sorry for your loss Lynn and the girls,the shot time I knew Mike he was a pleasure to be around,He always talk about the girls with me and I talk about my family.He was truly a family man.Lynnn I feel your pain but always remember the great memories.
Lots of love. Michael’s warm, cheeky and deep nature as well as that twinkle in his eyes were all a treat to experience! ❤️
Thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to Michael—his life and his character. Holding you, Lynn, and Annie, Molly, and Claire in prayerful hopes that you each find comfort in these difficult days.
I am so sorry to read this, Lynn, but my goodness, what a wonderful man and a full life you have had. Please know that many of us out here in the world are holding you close these days. These condolences come with lots of love.
Dearest Lynne and the many family and friends who share your loss,
As the ones who introduced the two of you, we are so pleased with all that your connection did to enhance your lives. Michael was unique: extremely bright, caring, wise and thoughtful. Although we moved to Maine 24 years ago, we have continued to think fondly of Marblehead and especially the Clifton Heights neighborhood. Here is a snippet of information: Art and Robin met at “the first” Kentucky Derby party, hosted by Art and betting program by Robin. Michael lived well and will be greatly missed. Fondest regards, Robin and Art
Dear Lynn, Annie, Molly and Claire,
Michael’s was a life well lived. The earth’s light is a little dimmer with his passing.
Our sincere condolences,
John and Ann Williams.
With the passing of Michael Michaud the world lost a true gentlemen and talented artist. Michael was my boat partner for many years we owned a J35 racing boat together and took to the high seas every weekend to compete in various regattas. Our other boat partner Tom Lloyd had an expression he used before leaving the dock, “let go make a memory boys” and we sure did. Michael was part of winning the North Americans in Galveston Texas along with coming in first in the Monhegan Island race. He was there for numerous Block Island race weeks where we all ended up pretty bruised. Michael was a significant contributor to these accomplishments. He was always there to pull his weight and lend a hand wherever it was needed. Then there was the time he hit a whale, I don’t think anyone on board will ever forget that event. Michael had a contagious smile and great sense of humor which was combined with a keen wit. He will certainly be missed by all those who were lucky enough to really get to know him. Rest in peace my friend, I’ll see you at the finish line.
Michael helped me so much with my first self-published book
Introduction to Applied Mathematics — 35 years ago in Boston.
It was a pleasure going in to Copley Square and working with him. He knew publishing ! And he really helped authors. There have been many books since, but his smile and encouragement are
not forgotten.
Thank you Michael.