Michelle Marquis was a beloved nurse at Seaside Healthcare in Portland who dedicated her life to taking care of others.
And she continued to serve even in death.
Mrs. Marquis, 54, of Hollis, died on Sept. 14 after suffering a massive stroke. Though she wasn’t an organ donor, her family knew it’s what she would have wanted. Her kidneys went to two people currently on dialysis. Her liver and heart were used to save the lives of two others. Her skin will also be used to help treat burn victims.
“She was truly God’s gift,” said Danielle Sullivan, her friend and supervisor at work. “Her blood type was O positive. There were people waiting at the top of the list that are living now because of her. It makes my heart smile knowing that. She saved lives right till the end.”
Mrs. Marquis began her nursing career working in operating rooms at Mercy Hospital and Southern Maine Medical Center.
She was remembered by her colleagues this week as an exceptional nurse who set the standard for patient care. She was widely recognized for her clinical skills and ability to handle complex medical cases.
Mrs. Marquis later became a clinical instructor at Intercoast Career Institute in Portland. Then, she went to work for St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation and Residence in Portland. That’s when she met Sullivan. After that, the two were inseparable. Together they worked at Seal Rock in Saco and most recently at Seaside.
At the time of her death, Mrs. Marquis was the skilled-operations manager at Seaside. She was responsible for the overall care of its 59 patients in the skilled rehab wings. Sullivan was her supervisor.
“We used to joke that she would follow me everywhere I went. The truth is, I got her to come with me because of her clinical skills,” Sullivan said. “I was honored to work with her. I felt confident. I knew our patients were getting the absolute best care. When Michelle is on my team, I don’t worry about my patients getting the care they need. I know they will.”
Mrs. Marquis was also praised Sunday for taking young nurses under her wing. Friends say she was patient, compassionate and driven.
“There are nurses who are very task-oriented, but Michelle actually cared. It didn’t matter what time of night someone called or what day it was … if you needed her, she was right by your side. She gave me confidence. She believed in me. She knew her (stuff).”
Outside work, Mrs. Marquis was a loving mother of two children, Danielle Marquis, 23, and Mitchell Marquis, 21, both of Hollis. She was previously married. Her former husband died 10 years ago.
As a single mother, she worked two jobs at times to provide a good life for her children.
“She was the best mom ever,” her daughter said. “She supported me through everything. Even if she didn’t agree with me, she accepted me for me. She was the exact same way with my brother.”
Mrs. Marquis had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed spending time at her camp. She liked sitting in the sun, working in her gardens, and hosting friends at her home.
“She loved swimming in her pool,” Sullivan said. “She always tried to get us girls to go skinny dipping.”
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