This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Michelle Davidson-Pradhan. We will remember her forever.

Remembered for her vivacious smile and compassionate spirit, Michelle Davidson Pradhan, 49, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 24, 2019 in Seattle, WA. Michelle, who was born in Seattle, had been in Katmandu, Nepal for the past 11 years. She is the beloved daughter of Ann Davidson and William Davidson (Janet Irons), and is lovingly remembered by her husband, Pujan Pradhan; sisters, Kym Davidson and Heather Davidson; brother, William Davidson, Jr. (Shalom); uncle, Richard Cato (Edie); aunt, Sondra Peck (Alex); nephew, Taylor Davidson; cousins, Cynthia Cato Maylath, Brian Cato, Greg Cato, William King (Lesley), David King (Jennifer), and Danielle Durham as well as scores of close friends - both here and abroad.

Michelle was a graduate of Kings Garden, Shorewood High School, and attended classes at Shoreline Community College. Following what would become a life-long interest in fashion, inspired by her late grandmother (Val Phinney), she worked in retail at Nordstrom’s and as a personal shopper at the Bon Marche/Macy’s, advising clients with their fashion decisions. In 2007 she married Pujan Pradhan, and began a completely different chapter of her life.

After their marriage, Michelle and Pujan moved to Nepal to manage The Courtyard, a boutique hotel owned by her husband’s family. Through the years of their involvement with the hotel, The Courtyard became known as a center of gracious personalized hospitality. They were top rated on Tripadvisor with personal stories attributing the success to the warm hospitality of Michelle and friendships created while there. Entertaining guests from every corner of the world, many often became treasured friends who returned often to the Courtyard “family”.In Michelle those friends found a thoughtful listener and a loyal generous friend who had compassion for anyone or anything that needed assistance or an encouraging word. That effort went beyond her guests into the community. She loved Nepal and the Nepali people, offering her support to local charities like Maggie Doyne’s orphanage and providing food and shelter to some of the residents affected by the 2015, 8 point earthquake in Nepal, which killed over 9,000 people and injured 20,000. Well known for her love of dogs, she cared for as many stray dogs in Katmandu as possible. 

Two of Michelle’s most favorite aspects of being the welcoming Hostess for The Courtyard were her relationships with their guests and the stimulating engaging discussions with the wide variety of experiences and opinions they offered. She enjoyed bringing people together and helping their passions grow. Michelle was an avid reader who kept up with the issues of the day worldwide and relished the opportunity of exchanging views with them. Those “Conversations in the Library” were cited by many as a highlight of their visit. Many friends commented how Michelle changed their life and opened their world to different possibilities.

Michelle faced her diagnosis of lung cancer with the same strength and determination she had demonstrated throughout her life. Her focus during her illness was totally toward her future goals, never losing her belief in tomorrow. Michelle filled the world with love and light.  We will all miss Michelle dearly but her beautiful spirit will live on.

In recognition of her love of dogs, memorial donations may be made to the Seattle Humane Society/Dogs or another animal shelter of your choice.

A Memorial Celebration of Michelle’s loving spirit is scheduled for Sunday, June 23, 2019 11am in Seattle.