Michele Marie McKinley-Valdez

Michele Marie McKinley-Valdez, 55, a resident of the Hillsboro community, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025 at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center surrounded by her husband and friends.
Michele was born in Huntington Beach, CA on July 11, 1969 to Dennis and Virginia (Haas) McKinley. She was raised in Huntington Beach until middle school, when her family moved to Concord, CA. Michele graduated from Ygnacio Valley High School, with the Class of 1987.
Immediately after high school, Michele obtained a Travel Agent certification at Western College in Walnut Creek, CA.
In 1995, Michele met her future husband, Mel Valdez, while working as a leisure Travel Agent. After a long courtship, they were married on April 22, 2000. They made their first home together in Discovery Bay, CA where they lived for 10 years before Mel's work brought them to Oregon.
Her greatest career advancement was transitioning from a leisure Travel Agent to a become a Senior Corporate Travel Manager at Lam Research, a global technology company for which she served at for over 25 years.
Michele loved to experience life to the fullest. She was an avid global traveler, and her passion was to explore the world and create lasting memories. From Europe and Asia to Central and North America, she had many favorite destinations, but the Caribbean was always her favorite. Floating in a resort pool, surrounded by close friends with a tropical drink in hand, were among her most cherished times. Michele also had a special place in her heart for Bella, their chihuahua-dachshund dog.
She is preceded by her father, Dennis McKinley.
She is survived by her loving husband, Mel, mother, Virgina, goddaughters; Jordan Williams and Tiara Torres-Nguyen and numerous friends.
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