MICHELLE P. SHACKETT

VERGENNES — It is with immense sadness yet an abundance of pride in the way she lived, that we relay to our community that the amazing Michelle Patrice Forand Shackett gracefully exited this world on Oct. 27, 2025. She was surrounded by the infinite loving presence, thoughts, gratitude and peaceful wishes of friends and family far and wide.

Michelle “Shelly” was born on March 3, 1947, at a home on Main Street in Vergennes, in the middle of a snowstorm when the weather made it impossible for her parents to get to the hospital ahead of her arrival. She was the second of five children born to Leonard and Ramona (Sullivan) Forand.

Shelly attended school in Vergennes. Soon after graduating in 1965, she married Thomas Shackett and, although they later divorced, she remained deeply grateful for the two children their union produced and the respect they shared for one another as friends later on.

She was employed by Simmonds Precision for over 30 years, during which time she mentored and became friends with many people. Shelly was often first to welcome new hires, helping them acclimate to the company and routine. She won over many with her caring nature, contagious laugh and never-ending need to feed those she cared about.

Once a friend to Shelly, your status remained as such forever. She was witty and smart, thoughtful and generous. The scope of her kindness could never be measured and ofttimes was unknown by others, as she quietly reached out to help people through conversation, good deeds, nourishment and various other methods of support. Many people have sat at Shelly’s table enjoying fellowship, laughter, delicious food, honest advice, and most importantly, acceptance and love. Also at that table, one might see a cup of coffee, books, word puzzles, recipes, handwritten notes and musings and always, her book of telephone numbers so she could easily call a friend. She was a person to forgive others and taught her children to face adversity with grace and resilience. Until the very end of her life, she conveyed the inspiring message and poised modeling that one can push through many things that are challenging while remaining hopeful and never bitter.

It would be impossible to summarize all the wonderful and often rare attributes that made up the essence of who Shelly is. We were blessed to have her guiding light throughout the years and are left with beautiful memories to cherish. We will continue to benefit from all that she taught us and hold onto the many humorous times together which continue to make us laugh deeply, even in our sorrow. What we carry is sure to help us learn to navigate life without her by our side and always choose light over darkness.

Shelly is survived by her devoted partner and steady, loving mate to her and her children for more than 47 years, Charles Tucker; her son Todd Shackett (Tracy), daughter Amy S. Curtis (Jay), Tammy Tucker and Jeff Tucker (Tina). She leaves behind 11 grandchildren who adored their “Nanny” (Jordan, Quentin, Ally, Skylar, Derek, Ben, Jeffrey, Brooke, Grayson, Lauren and Tucker). Her sister Dolores Shea, brother David Forand (Carol) and sister-in-law Sandy Oswald also survive her, along with several nieces and nephews and countless friends she acquired and kept throughout her life.

She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Brian Forand and her beloved sister and friend Sandra Forand, whose presence she felt in her final weeks of life.

Calling hours will be held Sunday, Nov. 2, from 2-5 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall of the Vergennes Congregational Church. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m., at the Vergennes Congregational Church with reception to follow. Interment at Sunset View cemetery will occur at a later date.

In honor of Shelly, please reach out to someone through an act of kindness: a call, a meal or a warm visit just to let them know they matter.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the McClure Miller Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT 05446, where they so tenderly and respectfully provided care and comfort to Shelly and her loved ones throughout her final days.

Arrangements are through Stephen C. Gregory And Son Cremation Service.◊