In Loving Memory

Michelle Marie Sloane

Jul 24, 1958 - Aug 6, 2025

Michelle Marie Sloane (née Muri), 67, passed away on August 6, 2025, in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. after many years of battling Parkinson’s. Born and raised in Princeton, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Roland and Claire Muri.

Michelle graduated from Princeton High School, where she excelled in athletics, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. She later received her MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.

She spent many years as a corporate manager before becoming a financial analyst at Constellation Energy in Baltimore, Maryland. Yet it was in the world of art where she found her true calling. She studied creative arts at the Washington Studio School, among other international residencies and programs, and maintained a longtime studio at the Jackson Art Center in Georgetown. She painted with authority and vitality, capturing the organic rhythm and energy of the natural world. Her work was exhibited in Washington, D.C. galleries and national juried shows, where it was frequently recognized for its artistic excellence and originality. Michelle also loved sharing art-making with children, often hosting small group classes and providing the supplies, encouragement, and opportunity for them to explore their own creativity.

Michelle was a devoted mother to her three children and to her church. Her unwavering faith and love of Jesus Christ, paired with her boundless compassion, enabled her to care for many with warmth that was both timely and heartfelt. Her love for others, especially for those who felt unseen or misunderstood was endless, leaving an immeasurable impact on countless lives.

A lifelong athlete from a sports-loving family, Michelle was an avid cyclist, squash player, and golfer. Following her diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease, she took up rock climbing, becoming one of the first individuals with Parkinson’s to climb as a form of physical and mental therapy. Her courage and determination helped inspire the national organization Up Ending Parkinson’s, of which she was a founding board member, and was featured in a nationwide broadcast of CBS Sunday Morning. Rising to new heights, Michelle also found joy and purpose in competing in rock climbing tournaments.

Michelle is survived by her loving husband of 13 years, Ward Sloane; her three cherished children from a previous marriage: Acacia Van Wyk and her husband Jaun-Pierre of London, and their two daughters, Prescilla and Elizabeth; Luke P. Brown of New York City; and Rebekah Brown and her husband Abraham Susser of Fort Myers, Florida. She is also survived by her siblings and their families: Daniel Muri of Switzerland, Pierre Muri of Connecticut, and Monique Muri of New York City.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michelle’s memory may be made to Up Ending Parkinson’s at upendingparkinsons.org or by mail to 10119 Conde Road, Marshall, Virginia 20115

We invite you to join us in celebrating Michelle's life on this dedicated webpage. Your condolences, stories, videos and pictures will be cherished by the family and provide comfort during this difficult time.

Care entrusted to Thibadeau Mortuary Service, p.a.

124 E. Diamond Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-5009

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