Michelle (Creese) Lawson, 58, formerly of Freedom, passed away on August 17th, 2025. She was born on April 15th, 1967, the daughter of the late John and Delores Creese. She was born and raised with a warm heart and an infectious sense of humor and lived a life devoted to her family and to the people around her. She was the beloved wife of Jerry Lawson and the proud mother of Cassandra Budrick and her late son, William Fortuna, Jr. and her daughter-in-law, Shanda Shillingburg. Michelle’s devotion extended deeply to her grandchildren: Kylie Fortuna, Aaliyah Budrick, Aubrey Sepella, Emma Fortuna and Jace Fortuna, who brought immeasurable joy and purpose to her days. She is also survived by her brother, Donald (Darla) Creese, her brother-in-law, Gary (Lisa) Lawson, her sister-in-law, Tracy (Hector) Chavez, her niece, Lisa (Christopher) Jones, and her nephew, John (Kaylee) Creese, of whom all cherished her.

Michelle worked as a hairstylist where her talent was matched only by her kindness. Clients quickly became friends, drawn not only by her skill but by her warmth, humor, and genuine care for others. Beyond her work, Michelle filled her home with love and beauty, especially around the holidays, when her passion for decorating turned every gathering into a celebration. She enjoyed cooking for her family, shopping, cheering on her favorite football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and spending time with her faithful dog, Cotton, who was always by her side. Her family will remember her as their rock, their source of comfort, and the person who could make any room brighter just by being in it. Though Michelle’s passing leaves a space that can never truly be filled, her memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved and in the countless ways she made the world a better, more beautiful place.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 23rd, from 12 noon until the time of the funeral service at 2 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of her arrangements.