Michelle M. Morris
May 26, 1953 ~ September 19, 2021
Resided in:
South Portland, ME
South Portland- Michelle M. Morris, 68, of Ocean Street, died peacefully on September 19, 2021 with her loving family by her side.
Michelle was born in Portland, Maine on May 26, 1953, the daughter of the late John Morris of Portland and M. Theresa (Riley) Morris of Portland. She attended local schools, graduating from Deering High School in the class of 1971. She furthered her education, earning a Master's Degree from Simmons College in 1995, an achievement of which she was very proud.
Michelle worked as the co-owner of the Bowdoin Steak House in Brunswick from 1981-1984. She then moved to Boston, MA and worked as the Assistant Registrar at Berklee College of Music. After earning her MBA, she worked for several telecommunication companies, including Frontier Communications where she worked most recently in Tampa, Florida, before moving back to Maine in January 2020.
Michelle was a life-long athlete and highly competitive person who loved to play basketball, softball, tennis, racquetball, golf, and crew with the Tampa Rowing Club. She loved to cook for family and friends and especially enjoyed preparing healthy, organic meals. Michelle loved playing sports, watching sports and cheering on the New England Patriots. She enjoyed domestic and overseas travels, but her favorite places were on the islands of Casco Bay where she spent time every summer. Her greatest love was the time she spent surrounded by her family, especially her granddaughter. She will be remembered as a generous and vivacious person who, with her Irish wit, brought fun and good-humor with her wherever she went.
Michelle is survived by a daughter, Lana M. Ewing and her husband Alexander J. Forrest of Cape Elizabeth; granddaughter, Vivienne M. Forrest of Cape Elizabeth; mother, M. Theresa (Riley) Morris of Portland; three sisters, Stephanie Morris of Gray, Theresa Morris and her husband Colin Martin of Falmouth, and Patricia Morris and her husband Ron Bailyn of Cape Elizabeth; six brothers, John C. Morris of Portland, James and his wife Sherry Francis of Stockton Springs, Mark and his wife Laura Morris of Cape Elizabeth, Martin Morris of Lake Mary, FL, Jeffrey and his wife Monica Morris of Lewiston, Robert and his wife Lisa Mack Morris of Portland, and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service celebrating Michelle's life will be held on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 11:00am at Pine Grove Cemetery, Route 88, Falmouth, ME. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. To view Michelle's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
Those who wish may make contributions in Michelle's memory to: The V Foundation in collaboration with The BRCA Foundation at https://www.v.org/research/specialfunds/brca/.
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The Morris family lived a street over in Portland. Terry and I walked to Deering together. Michelle and I played sports together. I liked them both immensely. Michelle was always upbeat, skinny and gorgeous! We lost touch after high school but when I read her obituary and felt a pit in my stomach, I knew how much she and Terry meant to me growing up. Rest In Peace, friend.
– Judy Holmes
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home – Portland Chapel
– A Memorial Tree was planted for Michelle M. Morris
It is with great sadness that I relay my sincerest condolences to Michelle’s family. She would often talk proudly of her growing up with her many beloved siblings. She said that is what made her strong. She would never give up on the basketball court and would get angered if someone intentionally let her score one. She was tough, yes, but full of love and empathy. She had a beautiful, magnetic, caring and welcoming spirit. I recall she comforted a friend or ours as he was very sick. She laid on his hospital bed by his side the evening before he died. She stayed until the wee hours of the morning. She didn’t care what the nurses or doctors might say. That’s who she was, always there for her friends. She lightened the burden of people she encountered, often times with her wit and her contagious laughter. Lana was most precious to her. Sleep in peace dear Michelle. Phil
– phil m
Thank you for making everyone laugh and every occasion more enjoyable. You will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace.
– Nephew Joe
To Michelle’s: I am so sorry for your loss. . . Fond memories: I met Michelle when she transferred to Tampa while working for Verizon. Her teammates contacted me to help them coordinate a surprise birthday party for her in our conference room!! That following weekend I ran into her at a restaurant and she was with Scott Skyberg!! Michelle was a beautiful person inside and out!! I have many fun memories of the times I spent with her! The funniest one was when we took the Ybor City trolley. My Mom and Michelle fell off into the bushes at the stop to Michelle’s condo in downtown Tampa!! Of Course the start of the trip on the trolley my Mom & Michelle open their jackets to show us the bottles of wine they brought with them!! I will miss her!! She was so much fun!! Tammy (Olsen) Miller
– Tammy Miller
Our hearts are sad, but we smile when we think about Michelle. What a loving, energetic and caring person. There are a few very special people in our lives, she is one of them. Peace and comfort to the family.
– Tim B
michelle and i were very good friends in 7th grade, when she transferred from st joes ,with mr gordon, ms houghton and 7P at LINCOLN. rachell figa, michell, debra bragdon, evelyn o’hara and me . we all sat near each other in class became the the BIG 5. our own little protective cliche!!! WE’d get into trouble for endless talking and giggling . We spent all our days together .I did ccd with your mother at your house, and have run across her over the years , and she would up date me on all. One of our many adventures was basket ball in PE. For one brief moment we all envisioned ourselves as basketball stars… nice to know michelle did . Michelle was the tallest of us, all the rest of us were SHORT and NOT basket ball material at all . What were we thinking!!! Hey we had HIGH aspiration and a competitive spirit!! . AND we were great at stealing the ball…. no one saw us coming , we were always underestimated and used a surprise tactic to our advantage . We would always then toss it to michelle for the basket!!! UNTIL THE other student complained and PE teacher told us to stop stealing the ball , BUT BOY we were good at it. We knew we couldn’t compete in height, we were the shortest team, so took advantage of what we COULD do. BUT We couldn’t steal the ball any more!! It was a short claim to fame. I still like to toss the basket with the neighborhood kids and can surprise them and myself and still get a basket once in a while!!! WE had other adventures too. Seeing michelle enjoyed her athletic prowess, brought the memory back home to me. WHO knows, maybe that was the start!! I’m so glad to see most of you stayed in Maine, or returned here. Like you, my father died young too, he died that summer of my 7th grade. Your father as I recall died a few years later. Your father used to take us / drop us off to basket ball games at the expo, CCD etc . We went to games together and parents used to share dropping us off and picking us up , where ever we went . It was wonderful to see what michelle was UP to over the years… So glad she got to Simmons. SO sorry to hear of her passing. So sorry we lost touch over the years. Rachel, my “BEST FRIEND” also passed away , a few years ago. Nice to think they may be enjoying a reunion with each other in the great beyond. Rachel too continued on athletic adventures. …. DEB Keenan formerly of Rackleff Street…. debkeen2@ cs.com. I’m still in Portland, too. AND a PATRIOTS fan, But tampa bay is looking good too. DARN THAT BRADY!!
– Debra A Keenan
Michelle was such a wonderful woman who was full of energy and always so much fun. I worked with Michelle at Verizon in the Dallas area on a new program in the early 2000s and I was fresh out of college. I loved that she joined me in a field hockey league in the Dallas area on weekends. We were two of only three women playing on a team of men. We had so much fun and I was sad to see her relocate to Tampa. She was a great project manager, so smart and such a great role model. I am saddened by the news of her passing. Sending my condolences. – Kristen Salzman
– Kristen Salzman
A very special person and dedicated partner, Michelle brought her sparkle and wit to the forming of the dynamic new department of Music Production and Engineering at Berklee. There were many bumps in the road during those formative years, but Michelle helped us to navigate them. She was an indispensable support for our faculty, staff and students. When posting the shocking and devastating news about Michelle to the Berklee Community on FaceBook, I received many sincere replies. I’m happy to share some of the feelings of people she knew and worked with, including students. Much love and sharing of fond memories to Lana and Michelle’s family. Don-thank you for sharing…I am very sad to hear this, Michele was a wonderful person RIP, sending prayers and deepest condolences to her friends and family So sorry to hear this news, Don. What a wonderful and fun woman! We had the best laughs in the MP&E department. It was great to reconnect with Michelle at your party and to keep in touch here on Facebook. She is deeply missed. Wow. She was the MP&E Department gatekeeper. So sorry to hear this – wonderful person! Very sorry to hear. Was nice to see her at your party. We sat at the same table during dinner. Michelle was a wonderful friend and mentor. I have been thinking back to those days at MP & E and every memory is one of laughter, light and friendship. I was so lucky to have known her! I’m so sorry to learn of Michelle’s passing. I remember her fondly. She was always kind and in a good mood. May her memory be a blessing. The is so awful. Michelle was an amazing person and great colleague. My prayers go out to her family and May she rest peacefully. Michelle was a beautiful soul whose kindness and caring was always evident in everything that she did; we were very fortunate to have her as an integral part of our department. Rest in peace Michelle and may your memory always bring comfort to those who have loved you. Oh Don. That is so sad. She was my predecessor, and she was just a barrel of sunshine! Michelle was a kind and graceful colleague. May she Rest In Peace so sad to hear, condolences to all of her friends and family for this tragic loss. In her own way Michelle was a pioneer for MP&E and a wonderful ambassador for the department. The College was lucky to have her and I was fortunate to know her. May she shine in perpetuity. Xxxx My deepest condolences to all of Michele’s friends and family, she was a beautiful person inside and out-I wish her a Peaceful Journey
– Don Puluse
From your loving work family at Verizon and most recently Frontier. You were a kind spirit which made the world a better place. Prayers to you & yours
– Your Frontier Family
I would like to extend my heartfelt prayers and condolences to Michelle’s loving family and friends. She was a wonderful childhood friend. We shared many moments of laughter and fun times together. Trail riding at Judy Ann Riding Stables in Old Orchard and participating in Children’s Theater of Portland Maine brings back many fond memories. Michelle had such a fun-loving sense of humor and I loved to hear her infectious laughter. I know that I and all who had the privilege of knowing her will miss her dearly. God bless and big hugs to you all. Kathleen Farrar Carpenter.
– Kathleen Carpenter
My condolences to the family, you’re all in my thoughts and prayers.
– Larry Dempsey
PS It has been so nice to read other memories of michelle, in other parts of her life. Sounds like it was a good one . DEB K
– Debra A Keenan
I am a neighbor of Michelle, and only just met her in March of 2020. We first bumped into one another on our daily walks. She would be walking her dog, me either solo or with my child. It was the beginning of the pandemic, all we had was walking! We would bump into one another and chat for a good chunk of time. Over the last year I learned about her family, her dog, her hobbies.. all in casual quick conversation, but I am so glad I got to know her! I always lived running into her.. she struck me as a very strong, happy, focused, confident woman with many interests. I will miss her smile, her friendly demeanor. I am sad we didn’t have the chance to get to know each other longer. My condolences to Michelle’s family. – Amy
– Amy Lufkin
I am very sorry to hear of Michelle’s passing. Your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers. “The McDonough’s”
– Julia Daniels
Dear Lana and Alex, we are so sorry for your loss. We deeply admire your strength and heart and wish you peace in this time of change.
– Tribute Store
I knew Michele when she was living here in Tampa. We were both involved in a group of friends we named ‘The Ageless Divas’. We met once a month for dinner to catch up on everyone’s lives. When I was new to the group, I happened to sit next to Michele. She made me feel so welcome. From that point on, I always looked for her and really looked forward to sitting by her and catching up. It is so hard to comprehend that she is no longer with us. She was an angel here on earth as well as being an angel in heaven. As we always celebrated each others birthdays, I still have and use the lovely bread bowl that she gifted me. I think of her every time I use it and will continue to do so. She will be missed.
– Carol Hackman
Michelle and I were classmates and fellow Deering High School grads. I’ve known her and her family for a very long time. I would occasionally visit the Morris home and sit in awe of the large, (loud), and chaotic tribe of ten. Mich was a great athlete, a fierce competitor, bright, witty and wonderful. I was lucky to have spent time with her, sister Steph and others on the island and to have enjoyed Michelle’s culinary talents. She was a gracious host with a quick smile and an infectious laugh. Near or far, it was great to connect with her during football season and to enjoy Brady’s success in Tampa last season (yes!). She was a good friend whose kindness will live on in the many memories we all share. She raised a beautiful young woman who has been extraordinary (along with her selfless husband) and was by her side every step of the way.
– Betsy True Nilsen
So sorry to hear of Michelle’s passing. I was a student at Berklee College of Music in the mid-1980s and Michelle was the Music Production & Engineering program’s administrative assistant and traffic manager. Michell was incredibly fun, warm, and real. I had the good fortune to reconnect with her five years ago and we have stayed in touch since. So sorry for your loss. She is in my thoughts.
– Steve Ward
There were ten of us. Now there are nine. Michelle is the first one to go. It’s heartbreaking. The family was so large our parents assigned siblings to look after each other. Michelle was designated my “mother.” She was very athletic and tough, not a big hugger back then. But she always had your back when it mattered. When I was 8 or 9 and didn’t have a bicycle Michelle, who was four years older, pointed to her light blue 3-speed and said use that when you need it. It became my bike. When my first marriage broke up Michelle took my new girlfriend aside and said, “He’s hurting. Please don’t break his heart.” That was twenty years ago. That girlfriend is now my wife. I was always proud to be Michelle’s little brother. I still am. Miss you “mom.”
Love, Jim
– Patrick James
RIP Michelle, and condolences to your family.
– Andrew Perfetto
I was doing a google search to locate Michelle’s daughter when I came across this webpage. My heart dropped. I have the most amazing childhood memories of her. She was always so warm, energetic, kind-hearted and beautiful!! I had a tough home life and without her even knowing it she gave me a safe space. I will never forget her. My deepest condolences go out to Lana and her family. May she (continue to) rest in eternal peace. 🙏🏼❤️
Michelle made the world a better place by being a phenomenal mother and raising an amazing human being