Bernadette "Bernie" Marie Dudley

Bernadette Marie Dudley passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025. She spent her last days at home surrounded by family, friends and loving neighbors. Bernie was born on October 10, 1955, to Angelo and Mary Regusci. Raised on a farm, Bernie developed a strong work ethic. At a young age, Bernie and her brother Joe were driving tractors, feeding cows, making prune boxes in the winter, and picking black walnuts that sold for $5.00 a sack. She cooked and cleaned with her sister Martha, and raised her youngest brother, Jimmy.  

While finishing her senior year at Vintage High School, Bernie also earned her cosmetology license. She cut men’s hair at the Golden Razor and was part owner at Cavalier. Bernie met her future husband Don, while cruising on Jefferson Street. The two hit it off and married in 1975. From there, they built race cars and eventually a family.  

Bernie always put her family first. Her grandkids were the center of her world. She made holidays and birthdays extra special with her cooking, baking, and present wrapping. She was excellent at carving pumpkins and creating a spooktacular Halloween yard. Her Christmas trees were magical, with presents spilling out from underneath. If you really knew Bernie, you would know she was a straight shooter. She didn’t mince words. If you wanted an honest opinion, you could count on her to give it. She had a soft spot for kids and animals. Her little blue house on Macleod Street was open to both. Being a two-time cancer survivor, Bernie’s charity of choice was St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital. A few times a year, Bernie would buy prom dresses from Macy’s and donate them to NCOEL Lending Closet, a local Napa program providing gowns to underprivileged teens. She had a big heart; never hesitating to help friends or family in need. 

Bernie is survived by her husband Don Dudley of fifty years, her two daughters, Annette Rice and Montana Potgeter, Her two son in laws, Damon Rice and Dylan Potgeter, her five grandchildren, Nolan, Brody and Logan Rice, Lola and Henry Potgeter, her sister, Martha King, her brothers, Joe and Jim Regusci, her blue ribbon gold fish, Nancy, her dog, Buddy, and her chickens, Wooster, Betty and Pearl. Your forever in our hearts, “Hammy.” 

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