Michelle Duran

Michelle Duran, affectionately known to her many friends as “Mic”, left this world and entered into paradise on December 10, 2024 after a years-long illness that slowly diminished her once thriving mind, body and spirit.

Born in Torrance, California in April of 1965, Michelle spent her early years on the sunny beaches of southern California before moving with the family to the badlands of New Mexico. It was there, Michelle’s high energy and fun-loving spirit was seeded. Nearing the end of her elementary school years, Michelle relocated to suburban Detroit, Michigan where her zest for life and adventure began to blossom.

After graduating from high school, Michelle joined the Navy and began a 4-year tour of duty aboard the USS Samuel Gompers out of the San Francisco Bay Area. The deployment took her around the world and not only cemented a deep love for country and service but led to many close friendships with her shipmates which continue today. 

Entering the workforce in customer service and forging relationships in the high tech industry, Michelle, zagged for years between Georgia, Tennessee, California and other places always in the company of her beloved, but curiously named pets like “Ballsack” the cat, “Scrungebutt Johnson” and her ever faithful pooch, “Sofie”.

Along the way she jumped at every opportunity to experience a new life expedition that took her to places many of us can only dream about. Hiking the Inca Trail, exploring caves, deep sea fishing, running marathons and ziplining forest canopies to name a few. Ultimately, Michelle took to the sky becoming an avid skydiving enthusiast having logged dozens of successful jumps with others who would remain lifelong friends.

Throughout her journey, Michelle forged lasting friendships with people she absolutely adored and who loved her equally as well. Everywhere Michelle went, a party was sure to break out with boundless wit, endless laughter and an impressive catalog of drinking games such as Once a Cardinal, Always a Cardinal and others.

Her final years were attended to by the kind and loving devotion of cousin Tanya Giles and her wonderful family in Kentucky who graciously cared for Michelle’s every need as her condition progressed. 

Michelle’s legacy lives on through the memories of countless friends and a loving family of brothers, cousins, nieces and nephews who remain inspired by her love for life, unrivaled humor and fearless energy.

Rest in peace, sweet Mic. May your final adventure in paradise bring infinite comfort and boundless new heights of glory.