Capt. Michele Rowley Leary was returned to the sea by her family and friends on Saturday, June 23. The Rita G was skippered by Michele’s father, Capt. John Rowley, and was accompanied out of the harbor past Morro Rock by a regatta of 20-plus private boaters, commercial fishermen, Harbor Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard, and the 60-foot California DFG Vessel Bluefin.
Her ashes were returned to the ocean she loved so deeply. A community potluck and celebration of Michele’s life later that day at the Morro Bay Vets Hall was attended by hundreds of friends, family, and members of the Morro Bay fishing community who shared stories, anecdotes, and special memories. Capt. Michele Leary will be missed by all who knew her.
This article appears in Jun 28 – Jul 5, 2012.