On Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay, Ontario, Charlene, 69, peacefully passed away surrounded by the love of her family. She was the loving mother to Pandora (Stewart) Dionne, Nicole (Anthony) Whiffen and Laura Pharo. Charlene was the cherished grandmother to Autumn, Lily, Athena and Trinity. She will be lovingly remembered by her mother, Isabelle Fay, and siblings Sharen Price-Brockman (Bob) and Roberta Lavergne. Loving aunt to Melanie, Evan, Catriona and Phillip. She is predeceased by her father, Armand Lavergne. As per Charlene’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church (Sturgeon Falls) on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 10:30 am. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery (Sturgeon Falls), followed by a reception at McGuinty Funeral Home (Sturgeon Falls, 123 Railway Street). Online condolences can be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers or as an alternative to flowers, donates to the Canadian Diabetes Association, where Charlene was a patient advocate, are welcome.
Charlene held a bilingual Bachelor of Arts degree from York University, as well as a Diploma in Library Techniques from Seneca College. She loved to read and write short stories, as well as to knit. Many of us are left behind with beautifully knitted mittens and scarves, lovingly crafted by her. In the early 1990s, Charlene supply-taught with the Durham Board of Education and taught French full-time at Duffin’s Bay Public School in Ajax, Ontario.
In later years, she worked with the Canadian Diabetes Association and was seen on TV commercials for Abbotts FreeStyle Libre Glucose System. Charlene was proud of her Metis heritage and often spoke in Parliament about her experiences living with diabetes.
Charlene loved to joke and was a detailed storyteller. She had a great sense of humour and enjoyed having fun. She was often heard exclaiming to her grandchildren, “Let’s be bad.” Charlene had a deep spiritual side and participated in many Bible groups and was last connected with Kingsview United Church in Oshawa. She will be greatly missed and mourned by many.