Michele M. Dean, 71, of, Highland died on unexpectedly, Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in in Poughkeepsie.

Born, December 18, 1951 in Poughkeepsie she was the daughter of the late Harold and Joyce Crose Buckley.

After graduating from FDR High School in 1969, Michele went on to work for I.B.M. in East Fishkill, retiring after being their for 30 years.

Michele, young at heart, and a lover of fashion and shopping, enjoyed local activities such as craft fairs, going out to eat, or going to catch a movie. She loved getting ice cream from Adam's Café, attending the annual Dutchess County Fair, and sightseeing on the Hudson River Walkway.

Some of her favorite places to visit included Lake George, or places by the ocean, such as Provincetown.

Michele was proud of her Irish heritage, and it should be mentioned her absolute favorite color was green. However, she loved Christmas even more. She was the best gift giver around.

While not watching her favorite classical TV shows and movies, she could be found enjoying MSNBC (especially Rachel) or tuning into the UCONN Connecticut SUN Women's Basketball team games.

Michele was proud to have attended the 1969 Woodstock Festival. It was one of her most cherished memories.

She is survived by her daughter Lauren Dean of Hyde Park, son Derek Dean of Hyde Park, grandson, Noah Parent of Hyde Park.

She is also survived by her brother Michael Buckley and wife Barbara of Poughkeepsie, and her best friend Lynne Rosenquist of Highland, whom she lived with.

To Noah, her grandson; Thank you for being there to support your mom. Michele loves you very much.

To Eddie and Susan; Thank you for always treating Michele like family, she loved you both and felt the same about you.

To Peggy and Julie- her PD Nurses; Thank you for everything. Michele loves you both. Thanks for all the laughs too.

To her lifelong friend Chris; When you two would get on the phone, you could talk for hours. Those conversations brought her so much joy. She loves you so. Thank you for being there on her last day!

To Amanda, Melissa, Garcha, and Denise, the old work gang; Thank you for being there for Michele and for all your love and support. She truly loves each of you so much. Amanda, Melissa, and Garcha were with her on her last day. Denise sent her love and prayers.

To our Connecticut Sun Courtside Friends, Bonnie, John, Sharon, and Amy; You all made the games so much fun! She loved every minute of it, thanks to all of you. Love to you all.

From Bonnie, in CT; When I met Michele, it was like me walking through a field of wildflowers and she was there being the most beautiful. She was someone that you felt you knew her all your life. She loved life to the fullest, even when she was handed health issues. The health issues didn't make her stop. She kept putting one foot in front of the other, to show who was boss. She loved the people she was surrounded by, and she was a blessing to everyone who came in contact with her. We will truly miss her smile, her laugh, and her love for Connecticut Sun Basketball. She was one in a million.

There is an old saying- If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. Love you to the moon and back, Michele. Always and forever. Until we meet again-Lynne.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, to send an online condolence, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.