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OLMSTED -- Dr. Michelle (Webster) Olmsted (46), a well-known Albuquerque pediatrician, died suddenly of natural causes on March 16, 2010. She was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1963 to Dave and Georgette Olmsted. She attended Acequia Madre Elementary, Santa Fe Prep, the Albuquerque Academy, and Santa Fe High School. Fluent in French, she spent one year as an exchange student at Brillantmont International School in Switzerland. She graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX and completed medical school at the University of New Mexico. As a medical student, she developed a keen interest in children's health and completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of New Mexico serving her final year as chief resident. After residency, she joined the UNM faculty as an attending physician. While at UNM, she became strongly interested in endocrinology and treated pediatric diabetic patients during outreach clinics in under-served communities all around the state. She subsequently served as the clinical director of the Los Lunas clinic of First Choice Community Healthcare. She recently entered into private practice as a Board-certified pediatrician with Southwest Medical Associates serving the westside community. Michelle's desire to improve her community was reflected in her many activities. She was a tireless advocate for her patients. Local media interviewed her regarding diabetes and children's health. She was a long-time board member of the local branch of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). She was selected to serve on the JDRF's national research review board, where she served for the last six years helping to guide millions of dollars of research funding dedicated to eradicating this terrible disease. Michelle was particularly interested in animal welfare and was a long-term volunteer at the Watermelon Mountain Ranch rescue group with a strong interest in cats. Michelle had a vibrant personality and enjoyed amateur theater working both behind- and on-stage, primarily at the Albuquerque Little Theater. She loved travel and particularly enjoyed diving in Hawaii and traveling in Europe with her long-time partner, Michael Vannoni. She was preceded in death by her brother, Gregory; and both her parents. She is survived by siblings John and Anick Olmsted of Albuquerque, and Brian Nelson of Austin, TX. She had many friends among her patients and colleagues. The nighttime sky in Albuquerque will shine a little less brightly with her passing. The JDRF will be establishing a special research award in her honor. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: JDRF Diabetes Research Foundation International 2501 San Pedro Dr NE # 116 Albuquerque, NM 87110 A public memorial service to be held Saturday, March 27, 2010, 1:00 p.m. at Calvary of Albuquerque, 4001 Osuna Road NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Any questions can be directed to Anick (505)717-1074.
        Published on: Thu March 25, 2010