Atkinson - On Friday, May 29, 2020, Michelle Ames Zambrano went home to be with our Lord and Savior surrounded by her family. It's said that every heart only has a finite number of beats in a lifetime. So it is understandable, in some way, that Michelle's ran out sooner than anyone expected; Because she lived and loved more than a hundred lifetimes. Michelle was born October 29, 1965. She was the eighth child of Melvin and Betty Ames. She is survived by her parents, her husband Tony of Atkinson, her daughter Sadie and son Noah of Bangor. Also by her brothers and sisters, Sheila Robertson, Rebecca Schultz, Mel Jr and Pamela Ames, Rosie and Chris Hews, Debbie and Bim Andrews, Russell and Penny Ames, and Laurie and Bill Sheppard. And a large extended family. She had a wild and wonderful childhood riding bareback, jumping from haylofts, following siblings where she shouldn't have, being loved, and loving. She met her husband and love of her life, Anthony at the Ice Cream shop--where she will always tell you she turned him down at first. She married Tony on June 13, 1987, in a dress she proudly told everyone her mother Betty made. She, herself made many magical costumes for legions of equestrian performances, for her other great passion aside from her family, was dancing with horses. She also enjoyed skiing, hiking and time on Sebec Lake. But being a mother was Michelle's greatest joy. Her children are her pride and treasure. Michelle served as a nurse at Mayo Hospital, at Moosehead, and for more than the last decade as the sole school nurse for MSAD41. She fought passionately and cared deeply for her patients and students. Everyone knows Michelle. To meet her is to immediately know a friend. A heart as huge, and kind and generous simply gave and loved so exponentially more, so her time was shorter. Never less. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, graveside services must be limited to immediate family. However, we would like to offer an open barn on Sunday, June 7 from 11:00 to 5:00 at Graywood Stables, 358 Range Rd, Atkinson. As we have space for social distancing. Although anyone is welcome throughout the day; We would encourage those who are coworkers of Michelle or Tony, and school friends to come earlier, and her 'horse' friends to come after 2 as it might be more helpful to share with the people you loved her with. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Penquis Valley Schools, c/o MSAD 41, 20 Howland Road, LaGrange, ME 04453, for the school nurse budget. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.