Michelle “Mickey” Morin Valentine

THE VILLAGES, Fla. – Michelle “Mickey” Morin Valentine, of The Villages, Fla., passed away peacefully on Oct. 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with a long illness. She was surrounded by her sister, Kimberly, and close friends. Mickey had just celebrated her 70th birthday in August.

Mickey was born on August 17, 1955, in The Bronx, NY, to Betty and Gerard Morin. She was raised in Lewiston, Maine, where she developed her lifelong confidence, independence, and love of bringing people together. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1974 and went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire in 1978.

After college, Mickey began her career in finance and accounting in Portland, Maine, before relocating to Michigan to join General Motors. While working full-time, she completed her MBA from the University of Detroit — a reflection of her determination and work ethic.

Mickey advanced steadily through the ranks at General Motors, serving as Assistant Plant Manager at a Cadillac manufacturing facility, where she oversaw production of the company’s luxury vehicle line. She was featured in Workforce Magazine highlighting women in business and concluded her career by leading a team focused on analyzing and enhancing design and production processes. During this time, she married Ian Valentine, and they shared many years together.

Mickey had a passion for style and fashion. Mickey was a skilled seamstress who loved working with fine fabrics and could spot quality tailoring instantly. She often joked that she should have followed her heart to New York City’s fashion district instead of Detroit.

Mickey was known for her outgoing personality, boundless energy, and contagious wit — people were drawn to her everywhere she went. She brought happiness and joy to many. Although Mickey did not have children of her own, she was deeply involved in the lives of her nieces and nephews, who adored her. She had a gift for staying connected — celebrating their milestones, a Godmother to four of them, sending thoughtful surprises, funny cards, and bringing laughter into even ordinary days. Proudly known as Zia to her great-niece Viera, Mickey especially enjoyed their morning conversations during Viera’s ride to school.

Mickey will always be missed by her family. Her sisters, Cheryl Tidwell (nephews Jonathan and Benjamin), Kimberly Melanson, married to James (niece Alexa Samay and nephews Anthony Samay, Troy Melanson, and Eric Melanson) and her brothers, Gregory Morin (niece Mary Elizabeth) and Scott Morin, married to Trish (nephews Wyatt and Lucas). She also leaves behind many cousins and a special aunt and uncle in Frances Rososky and Alex (Bo) Comparoni, who loved her dearly.

A memorial service will be held with family and friends at a later date. Mickey will be buried at Saint Peter’s Cemetery in Lewiston, Maine.

Her family would welcome and appreciate any donations in her name to the American Heart Association