FIDELIS JOAN MICHEL

Fidelis Joan Michel, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, 2024, in her hometown of Alpena, where she was also born on March 3, 1950 to the late Iner and Mary (Skinner) Mousseau. Her life was a testament to the power of nurturing and the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.

Fidelis was a devoted wife to her husband, Jan Michel, and a loving mother to her sons, Jeffery, who preceded her in death, Eric (Emily), and Adam. Her warmth and care extended to her cherished grandchildren, Cameron and Ainsley Michel, who will miss her deeply. She was a sister to a large and loving family, including the late Susan, Richard, Audrey, Ronald, Lois, Arnold, and her surviving siblings, Imelda (William) Gallagher, Walter (Janet) Mousseau, Daniel Mousseau, Carl Mousseau, Roger (Karen) Mousseau, Yvonne Smith, Greg Mousseau, and Dr. Vincent (Kim) Mousseau. Fidelis was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Michael Smith, her niece, Laura Mousseau, her nephew, Paul Darga, and her great-nephew, Randy Mousseau.

Fidelis’s professional life was as nurturing as her personal one. She ran a daycare from her home in Alpena, providing a loving and caring environment for countless children. In 1984, she moved to Myrtle Beach, where she continued her passion for caring for others by managing the cafeterias for the Horry County Public Schools. Her dedication to the well-being of children was evident in every aspect of her work, and she left a lasting impression on all those she served.

Her interests were a reflection of her caring nature. Fidelis loved feeding and caring for all the children who came into her life. She found joy in cooking, a skill she used to bring people together and create memories. Sewing was another of her talents, through which she expressed her creativity and love for her family. Gardening was a passion that allowed her to cultivate beauty in the world, and her walks on the beach at the ocean were moments of peace and reflection.

Visiting hours will be held at McWilliams Funeral Home on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 from 2 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 4 p.m. with the Rev. Mary Hughes officiating.