Local business temporarily closes to mourn death of 26-year-old daughter from Portsmouth

A local business has temporarily closed after the loss of their young daughter.

Troubled Soul & Company in Middletown, Rhode Island announced they would be closed Monday while mourning the loss of their daughter, 26-year-old Mary Jane “MJ” Milici of Portsmouth, following a sudden and severe decline due to MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes), a rare and progressive mitochondrial disease.

While visiting family in Florida, MJ’s condition rapidly worsened, leading to an extended hospitalization at Tampa General Hospital. She spent weeks in critical care, including time in the Neuro ICU on a ventilator, and later required a tracheostomy and PEG feeding tube. Her family had been urgently trying to arrange specialized medical transport back to Massachusetts General Hospital — where she received care from leading MELAS specialists — but her health remained extremely fragile.

The family launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “Urgent Support for MJ’s Fight Against MELAS,” organized by her mother, Nicole Milici, to help cover the enormous costs of air ambulance transport, specialized equipment, and care not fully covered by insurance. In just a short time, the campaign raised nearly its full $125,000 goal, reaching over $124,900 in donations from a supportive community.

In their most recent update, the family shared a deeply moving account of MJ’s final hours, describing a profound spiritual moment they believe was a sign from MJ herself.

Around 2:00 a.m., on the day of her passing, Marc—her dad—heard MJ’s voice call out to him in his sleep. Moments later, the phone rang. It was the hospital. Family arrived in time and held her hands as she passed. There, on MJ’s forehead, was a perfectly clear cross the nurse couldn’t explain.

Milici was remembered as a remarkably courageous, kind-hearted, and deeply faithful woman who was sweet, friendly, and outgoing while confronting her disease with strength.

The family has previously expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and financial support they received during MJ’s fight.