Michelle Marie Mead-Salley, age 48 of Farmington Hills, passed away January 10, 2021, at home with her husband and sons by her side. With one step, one punch, one round, one fight, one day, Michelle gracefully battled pancreatic cancer for the past eleven months.

Michelle was born on March 27, 1972 in Des Moines, Iowa to Michael and Karen Mead. Raising Michelle was an easy task. From a young age, her caretaker’s spirit was revealed, and she quickly blossomed into one of the most compassionate individuals you would ever meet. Working on her farm and eventually a local nursing home, Michelle knew the importance of getting things done, but always remained patient and kind. She graduated from Stanton Community High School in 1990 and went on to study at University of Iowa. It was there that she would earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing, along with making the many lasting memories a college student should. The great experiences she shared with her friends at UI definitely helped to shape her into her true self.

With only her whole life ahead of her, Michelle packed her bags and headed for Detroit. At the time, Sinai Grace Hospital was known to offer some of the best compensation for nurses straight out of school. She accepted a position in their ER and had only a brief “What have I done?” moment before she realized this was exactly where she was supposed to be. Making friends quickly, Michelle fit in with her new ER family instantly. The transition of this beautiful girl from Iowa thrown into the harsh realities of a Detroit emergency room wasn’t without its challenges. But she knew her colleagues had her back, and she proved to have theirs as well. Working with Michelle was all positive vibes, and you knew you were going to have a good day as soon as you saw her. Further into her career, Michelle spent a short time at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, but ultimately craved a faster pace and more opportunity to care for patients. So back to the ER she went, this time at Beaumont Hospital. After some time spent there, Michelle eventually found her way to the cardiology department in Beaumont’s Atrial Fibrillation Clinic. She finished her career in Anesthesia Prescreening, which she was fortunate enough to continue with at home until this past November.

Technically, Michelle was an exceptional nurse. She was confident and always kept her cool. Without panic, she made the right decisions, and no one second guessed her. Always on her game, Michelle knew her job and she knew it well. With her humor mixed in along the way, everyone loved having her at their side. A coworker and friend named Todd, also new to the fast-paced ER life, frequently saw Michelle at her best. With Todd’s brother, Tim, being very available, an idea popped into his head. Todd would introduce Tim to Michelle and as they say, the rest would be history. The introduction was a natural one. Their first date quickly turning into fate working its magic. It was a classic meant to be love story where the two just clicked. The words “I’m going to marry her” were spoken soon after, and their love would grow from there. 

As a wife, Michelle was independent but still gave 100% to the team effort that is marriage. As best friends, she and Tim shared their greatest moments together. They laughed and joked around and had deep and meaningful conversation, all while trusting each other wholeheartedly every step of the way. Blessed with two boys, family life was fun and exciting. New adventures were around every corner and they were so thankful and proud to be experiencing it together. Michelle’s love extended far beyond her dedication as a wife and mother. She was hands down the best daughter, sister, in-law, aunt, coworker and friend that you could ever ask for.

As Michelle’s cancer diagnoses was shared, love poured over her and her family, along with the comfort of prayers and constant offers of support. Faith remained strong and the trust placed in our Lord’s hands never relented. Ever-present love and connections were only strengthened that much more. Cancer did not label Michelle, but only lived in her shadow. It was her path to Heaven, and she is now free of pain and suffering.

An angel on earth, a true gift from God, Michelle will truly be missed beyond measure. The impact she’s made on this world was profound and will never be forgotten. Memories of Michelle will be treasured forever and remain in the hearts of those who loved her so deeply.

Michelle was the amazing wife of Tim. The best mom to Carter and Reese. Cherished daughter of Michael and Karen Mead. Loving Sister of Kim (Dave) Thomas and Tim (Jody) Mead. Dear aunt of Mara, Lucas and Caleb Mead; Sam and Nick Thomas; Alec, Jessica, Joel, Grace, Brooke and Andrew Salley. Sister-in-law of Todd (Julie) and Tom (Tina) and daughter-in-law of Bruce and Gail Salley.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, January 22nd, from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Nursing Honor Guard ceremony at 7:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. A private Memorial Service will be held from Orchard United Methodist Church, Farmington Hills on Saturday, January 23rd at 11:00 a.m. Presiding over services for Michelle will be Rev. Amy Mayo-Moyle. All are welcome to join the service via live stream at https://www.youtube.com/c/OrchardUMC.

In lieu of flowers or comfort food, donations in Michelle’s name are appreciated to fund Orthotics, Prosthetics & Bionics at www.maryfreebed.com/foundation or to the Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic at www.garyburnsteinclinic.org/donation.