DIANE (DENIS) SMITH

SALISBURY — Diane (Denis) Smith passed away Friday, May 15, 2026, following a year-long battle with cancer. She appreciated the love and support received by family and friends over the past year and loved seeing everyone who came to visit during her final week.

Diane was born in Middlebury Sept. 23, 1954, to Paul and Irene (Billings) Denis of Weybridge. She attended Saint Mary’s School through the sixth grade and graduated from Middlebury Union High School in 1973.

On Oct. 13, 1973, Diane married Louis Audet, son of Henry and Joan Audet of Cornwall. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Renee, in 1986. Diane was a devoted mother who ensured Renee was deeply involved in 4-H, Girl Scouts, FFA, and Addison County Field Days, successfully instilling in her a lifelong love of crafts and a deep compassion for community service. Diane was also a proud charter member of the Vermont Tractor Puller’s Association (VTPA), where she shared countless joyful moments with family and friends.

Following Louis’s passing in 1993, Diane found love again and married longtime family friend Wayne Smith in 1996. Together, they continued their shared commitment to community service and cherished their social time spent with family and friends. Wayne stood lovingly by her side through major health milestones until his passing in 2025.

Diane worked several jobs before starting her career at Aubuchon Hardware under long-term manager Wendell Berno. Breaking barriers, she became the first successful female manager in the Aubuchon company. Over her remarkable 44-year career, she earned numerous accolades, culminating in the prestigious honor of having the Middlebury Aubuchon Hardware store dedicated to her in May of 2025.

Diane retired in 2019 due to health needs and received a life-saving heart transplant on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020 — a deeply meaningful date: her late husband Louis’ birthday. The transplant granted her six additional years of precious time with her loved ones. In her later years, Diane found immense joy spending hours in her craft room alongside her granddaughter, Becca, and her cherished card-making friends.

Diane is survived by her daughter, Renee (Audet) Carpenter and husband Sam; her stepchildren Dennis Smith (Beth) and Amy Smith (Stephen Manning); her grandchildren Sam Smith, Lily Smith, Phoebe Smith, and Becca Carpenter; her siblings, David Denis (Dorothy), Mike Denis (Cindy), Phyllis Bowdish (Bob), and Joyce Servidio; her sisters-in-law, Minda Bagley, Jean Rheaume (Larry), and Lena Steele (Eric); brothers-in-law, Rene Audet (Donna) and Leo Audet (Sara); and a large, loving circle of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends.

Per Diane’s wishes there will be no calling hours or funeral. There will be a private service for family members at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation of time or funds to a local charity of your choice, Diane was especially fond of Addison County Fair and Field Days and of the Milk and Honey Quilters Guild. Please consider being a life-saving organ donor. ◊