BELFAST — Michelle Lynn Young-Archer, 59, passed away unexpectedly on December 31, 2024. She was born on February 7, 1965 in Albany, New York.

She began her schooling in Northampton, Massachusetts. Later they moved to Maine and she attended Bangor area schools and Brewer High School before graduating from Bucksport High School in 1984. She worked as a CNA at the Penobscot Nursing Home until illness caused her to retire.

After many years she reunited with her high school homeroom classmate Gregory Archer and they married on May 26, 2001. They resided in Bucksport until they purchased their home in Belfast in 2005.

Although Michelle never had children, her cats were her babies and they completed her world. She was happiest when her cats were snuggling next to her. Her male cat, Jamie, passed away in 2021 and her female cat, Annaka, passed away in late December 2024.

Michelle was an avid knitter and made beautiful afghans and scarves. She also enjoyed decorating cakes. She was a very caring person and did all that she could to help others. She and Greg enjoyed bowling and were in a bowling league in their early years together. She loved swimming in her pool in the summers.

She leaves behind her beloved husband, Gregory Archer, of Belfast; mother, Janice Rhenow of Davenport, Florida and East Machias; sister, Richice Stevens and husband, Joel of Port Charlotte, Florida, and East Machias; brother, Robert Contois, and wife Bobbi of Orrington and Gregory's family. She will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews that she loved.

Michelle was predeceased by her beloved stepfathers, John Bigelow in 2015 and Lester Young in 2019, with whom she developed a strong bond.

A Celebration of Life to honor Michelle's life will take place on January 11, 2025, at 2 p.m., at the New Life Community Church on 833 Woodmans Mill Road in Montville, Maine. Immediately following the service, all attendees are invited to share in a time of fellowship downstairs. Light food and refreshments will be served.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com