Michelle Proulx

Michelle Anna Proulx, 71, of Narragansett, passed away at home surrounded by her family on November 22, 2025.

Michelle married the love of her life, Charles "Chuck" Connell, and they were together for over 45 years. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children who meant the world to her: Daniel and his wife Natalie (with grand dog Ravioli) and Gerianne (with grand dog Dolly). She is also survived by her close-knit siblings and their families: brother, Lawrence Proulx (Lysiane) and three sisters, Marie Mersereau (Mark), Carolyn and Jacqueline Farrell (Bernard). Michelle was a super supportive proud aunt of her nieces and nephews. Family was central to her and she was known for organizing all manner of reunions and get-togethers. She enjoyed pursuing the family's Irish, French & Italian ancestries and had the software and books to prove it. She was delighted to take family trips to Italy and Ireland to unearth relatives.

Michelle was a daughter of Mary Tennyson Proulx and Gerard Clement Proulx. A self-professed "goody two shoes" she was kind and caring to all, and was fortunate to have made a number of lifelong friends. Michelle grew up in Pawtucket and was a proud "St. Teresa girl." She graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with a joint degree in Math and Psychology. While working for Union Carbide in New York she also earned an MBA in Finance from NYU. She and Chuck married on the Brown campus in 1980. Living in New York enabled her to pursue her love for live theater, and there were few good Broadway shows she missed.

After moving to London in 1983 she worked in senior strategy roles for Wang UK and BET plc. The time in the UK gave her the chance to learn a new language and travel extensively around Europe. She was delighted to host many family members and friends during the 4 years in London.

Upon returning to the US, Michelle settled in Darien, Connecticut, where the family lived for 31 years. She adored her children and even became a dog person on their behalf with the addition of a wonderful Westie, Millie. She organized a number of memorable trips in the US and Canada, including to Disney World and Universal Studios. She was a consummate baker, expert seamstress, loved a good coinkidink and was never at a loss for words when there was a story to be told. A giver and a doer, she was an endless volunteer, including assisting with many Brown alumni groups, editing volunteer newsletters and publishing directories for her children's schools.

Michelle was a proud Rhode Islander, and especially loved the beaches where she had spent great times growing up. She introduced Rhode Island to her children at an early age. The empty lot that became their Schooner Cove home turned into a fantastic spot for hosting family and friends. After years of summertime use, Michelle and Chuck retired full time to Narragansett in 2018.

Michelle's husband and children would like to thank Michelle's extended family and special good friends for all their support. In addition, the family would like to thank all the health care workers that tended to Michelle, especially Dr. Adam Olszewski and his Cancer Institute team at Rhode Island Hospital and in East Greenwich.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Star of the Sea, 864 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, RI, on December 5th at 10:30AM. Her burial will be held privately at a later date at Notre Dame Cemetery, Pawtucket.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brown University Health Cancer Institute.