AMESBURY, MA - Gwendolyn (Johnson) Michaud, 88, of Amesbury, Massachusetts, passed away on June 28, 2025. Born on December 24, 1936, in Portales, New Mexico, Gwen was married to the love of her life, the late Philip Joseph Michaud, Jr., for 70 years. 

Gwen attended Portales High School in Portales, New Mexico, and met Phil in Roswell, New Mexico, when he was serving a tour in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. The pair married in Roswell in 1954, then returned to Amesbury where they built a home on Lake Gardner. Their decades of steadfast and happy marriage were a joy to see and an inspiration to many. 

Gwen is survived by her cherished and devoted son, David Michaud, of Amesbury, and many nieces, nephews and godchildren. 

Gwen was predeceased by her beloved husband Philip Joseph Michaud, Jr.; her parents Herschel & Carlee (Murry) Johnson of Portales, NM; and her nine siblings: Roxie, Thelma, Grace, Alma, Melton, Harold, Mary Lou, Bonnie and Blossom.

She worked as a teacher’s aide at Amesbury Elementary School in the 1970s, where she took great joy in assisting the teachers and students. Later, she worked at Amesbury Chair Co. for many years as an administrative assistant, as well as “Cruise Director.” Additionally, in the 1960s, Gwen modeled clothing for W.E. Fuller & Co., a clothing store in downtown Amesbury. 

Gwen had an outgoing, sociable and engaging personality and was a loving, doting and fun mother. She delighted in dressing David at a young age in spiffy, impeccably neat outfits (whether he liked it or not!) and taking him on trips to visit family down South and out West. She was talented and creative, hand-sewing David’s contest-winning Halloween costumes and baking her famous whoopie pies. 

With a gift of gab and a wonderful sense of humor, Gwen enjoyed life to the fullest, always greeting family and friends with the warmest welcome, ready to laugh, have fun and share stories. She cherished being with her immediate and extended family, from holidays and special celebrations to family reunions and fun summer days by the lake. Her gracious way with her guests always made them feel like they were the center of attention.

Gwen was also known for her colorful fashion sense and style, wearing White Shoulders perfume, shopping at Porteous, Filene’s and Evangeline’s, and going to her hairdresser Pat on Saturday mornings for decades. She enjoyed being an avid fan of the New England Patriots, specifically during the Tom Brady years. She loved to travel to visit family and friends throughout the U.S. and beyond, and her work at Amesbury Chair created opportunities for buying trips and adventures in Malaysia.

Gwen will be dearly missed by her family, friends and community, and we will all carry our wonderful memories of her in our hearts forever. 

The family would like to extend their great appreciation for Gwen’s caregiver for her excellent care and companionship over the past few years, as well as the nurses and team at Benchmark at Haverhill Crossings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gwen’s name may be made to the Lake Gardner Improvement Association, which helps preserve the lake that has been the beautiful view from Gwen, Phil and David’s home throughout the years. Contributions may be sent to Lake Gardner Improvement Association, 80 High Street, Amesbury, MA 01913, or made online at www.lgia.org/about-us.

Family and friends are invited for calling hours on Friday, July 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at E.V. Jutras & Sons Funeral Home, 118 Friend St., Amesbury, MA. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 19, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church at St. Andre Bessette Parish, 2 School Street, Amesbury, MA. A reception will follow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ristorante Molise in Amesbury.