Michelle "Missy" Portanova

1959 - 2025

DELAND - It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Michelle "Missy" Portanova, 65, a beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, May 1, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer and multiple sclerosis. A celebration of her life will take place later this year.
Born Michelle Compe May 16, 1959, in White Plains, New York, Missy graduated from Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 1973 and the Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel in 1977.
Missy met her husband, Rich Portanova, when they were 16, and they married in 1979.
Their son, Richard, was born in 1984, and the family moved to DeLand in 1989, where together they owned and operated M&R Undercar for 16 years.
Missy was a woman of immense strength and unwavering spirit. She will be remembered by family and friends as loyal and caring, with a wonderful sense of humor and deep compassion. She had a remarkable ability to find joy in simple things and loved nothing more than to share a good meal - and a good laugh - with those she loved. Her kindness touched the lives of many, and her optimism and good humor in the face of her medical challenges was truly inspirational.
Missy was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Vic Compe; her older sister, Laurie Pavella; her in-laws, Marion and Rocco Portanova; and her brother-in-law, Paul LaLuna. She is survived by her devoted husband, Rich; her loving son, Richard; her brother, Vic Compe (Samantha); her sisters Jean Kneeley (Rich), Mandy LaLuna and Lisa Reis (Kevin); her brother- and sister-in-law, Rocco Portanova (Paula) and Lynn Farfantis (Tom); and her nephew, Anthony Compe, who always called her the "fun aunt."
Missy's gentle spirit and unwavering love and devotion will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace.
The family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Multiple Sclerosis Association to continue the fight against the diseases she battled so bravely.