At the age of 60, Charlene passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017. Loved wife of Paul and dear mother of Andrew (Liz) and Kevin (Candice). New grandmother of Liam. Favourite aunt of many. Born in Summerside, PEI, Charlene moved to the Sault in 1967 with her parents, the late Peter and Dorothy, brothers Michael, Paul (Candy), David and late Doug. She attended Mount St. Joseph where she made wonderful friends (Mary, Peggy, Donna and Liz to name a few). She graduated from Algoma College with a Business Degree and was hired by the Separate School Board where she was a valued employee and made many cherished friends. After marrying Paul, she quickly delivered two healthy boys into this world. She was an awesome mother. Andrew and Kevin were surrounded by her love and care. From homemade Halloween costumes to custom birthday cakes, and Christmas socks assembled with her sister-in-law Candy, Charlene made every life event and every day special. A true hockey fan, she sat for hours on the cold hard benches, watching both boys throughout their “Pee Wee Arena days". Her skill at ceramics and painting gave many teammates through the years individually decorated mementoes of their hockey year. A dedicated wife to Paul, a travelling construction worker, she bore the brunt of child rearing, handling the problems of life with care and grace. A heartbreak that her grandson Liam (and future grandchildren) will never know this wonderful person. Charlene loved the “crafts”, be it tole painting, ceramics, cross stitch, needlepoint or quilting and was quite accomplished at what she did. Charlene's flower gardens were spectacular, she surely had a green thumb that made our home look beautiful (she loved the balloon flowers). Charlene enjoyed her Sunday morning ritual, off to church and then to Vicky and Terry Mitchell's for coffee and a treat. She enjoyed visits to Palmina’s in Sand Bay and her and Pal became close friends. One of Charlene's greatest joys was the multiple trips to her beloved Prince Edward Island, where she had lots of family that welcomed her with kindness and love. Being terrified of flying, this was a challenge, long car rides and train trips but the happiness it brought her was always worth it. 10 years ago, the demon dementia began to take a toll on Charlene and her family and five years ago she needed to be in a safe environment, so she moved into Maple View Nursing Home. We thank the wonderful staff for all they did for Charlene. We will forever miss your cute little smile and infectious giggle. We all love you and God bless you Charlene. Friends and family are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758) on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral Mass to be celebrated from St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 11 am with Father Alex Saurianthadathil officiating. Memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society would be greatly appreciated by the family.
