Michele Elizabeth Reed
Michele Elizabeth Reed died peacefully at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Manchester, Connecticut, on February, 19, 1968.
Michele moved to Vermont in October 1969 and married her lifelong partner, Franklin “Bud” Reed, on October 28, 1989. She loved the beauty of Vermont and the quiet lifestyle it offered away from the busy life she left. She had a soft spot for farmers and an appreciation for their hard work and the long hours they endured. Her love of animals was abundant, and her friends were dogs many times as she would be the first one they ran to and stayed by her side for attention, which she gladly gave.
NASCAR was her passion and she spent many seasons camping at the Laconia racetrack with her husband and friends. She cherished her time spent at the track and went camping right up to the last year she was able to go. She was so happy to spend the time with her friends.
Michele’s love for the elderly was apparent. A bookkeeper by trade, she spent the last few years working at the Craftsbury Community Care Center as a food prep and server. Her real passion was seeing the residents smile and enjoy the moment. She gave of herself selflessly. She was always thinking of them and when the holidays were coming up, she would collect gifts for them to share at the gift swap. It made her happy to see them enjoy the event. Her loyalty as a friend was fierce and she never wavered from being a good friend, always ready to help. On Saturdays, no matter how bad she felt, she was at the food shelf stocking shelves or delivering food to the people shut in. Her devotion to helping others was unwavering. She even tried her skills as a lister for the town of Albany before sickness became too much to continue. She was recognized by the town for her service.
Another passion Michele loved was helping at the Halo Foundation, which in the end, she became a recipient of. She was always ready to help with hands on deck for the Santa run. She was the key person for setting up the event and making sure it ran without a hitch. She was also the administrator for all referrals for the Halo program which helps people with money for gas or other items they may need for getting treatments. No task was too big or small. She will be greatly missed by many.
She leaves behind her husband of 37 years, Franklin “Bud” Reed, her mother, Shery Saffin and husband, Norman Saffin, brother Brian Cook and family. Her father, Ronald Cook, along with grandparents, Harrison and Molly Cook, Augusta and William Watson, all predeceased her.
A celebration of life will be held at her friend’s home on August 22, from 1-4 p.m. Located at 1792 Vermont Route 58 West, Irasburg, Vermont. A luncheon will be served. Bring stories to share.
Dwight T. Dudley
Dwight T. Dudley, 80, a lifelong resident of Orleans, died unexpectedly of natural causes on July 23, 2026, in Orleans.
Dwight was born on December 10, 1945, at Cottage Hospital in Barton, to Eugene P. Dudley and Irene (Butler) Dudley. He graduated from Orleans High School with the class of 1963 and, shortly after graduation, began what would become a 40-year career with Ethan Allen Manufacturing Company in Orleans. A gifted woodworker and craftsman from an early age, he had a natural talent for building and creating. Throughout his career, he worked in many departments and served in a variety of roles before retiring at the age of 63.
Music was one of Dwight’s lifelong passions. A self-taught electric guitarist, he found great joy in playing music and occasionally performed with local musicians and bands. He was also a perpetual student, always eager to learn. Whether reading Barron’s, studying the market, or watching documentaries on a wide range of subjects, he never lost his curiosity about the world.
Dwight was a devoted Christian who loved God. His faith guided his life, and he found comfort and hope in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was also deeply patriotic and took great pride in being an American, holding profound respect and gratitude for the men and women who served and sacrificed in defense of the nation.
For 60 years, Dwight lived independently in the home he loved in Orleans. He was known for his loyalty, generosity, and love for his family and friends. Fun-loving by nature, he especially enjoyed the companionship of his many friends and spent time nearly every day at American Legion Post 23 in Orleans, where he was well known and dearly loved.
Dwight is survived by his daughters: Angela Mandalinci and her husband, Ali, of Texas, and their children: Madison and Tanner; and Alicia Downs and her husband, John, of Orleans, and their children: Brittany, Hailey, and Riley. He is also survived by his sister, Betsy Curtis of Newport; his nephew, Jonathan and Wendy Ruggles of South Hero, and their children: Aidan and Delaney; his niece Shannon Delmore of Massachusetts; his brother Les Dudley and his wife, Suzanne, of Florida; and nephew Derek and Alexis Dudley of Florida, and children: Harrison, Maya and Lyndon.
Dwight will be deeply missed by his family, his many close friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, steadfast faith, craftsmanship, love of learning, and sense of humor leave a lasting legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
A celebration of life honoring Dwight will be held on Sunday, August 30, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the American Legion Post 23, 28 Water Street, Orleans. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather to share stories, memories, and celebrate his life. Those who wish are encouraged to bring photographs or other memories of Dwight to share with family and friends.
A private burial will be held by the family.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the many expressions of love, support, prayers, and kindness shown during this difficult time.
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