The wonderful stories and descriptions of Charlene are exactly what I experienced as well.  A vibrant, intelligent, creative and giving woman,  We soon became friends in 2000 here at the SCCOE. Charlene supported two large annual events for Human Resources, and I learned quickly that I could totally depend on her to deliver the best quality, best presentations and creative ideas. We often shared raising daughter stories and discussed relationships. She felt like a sister to me - we related on so many levels. 

She was a proud Mother and definitely raised three outstanding woman. I know they will guide Dylan as she would. Her husband, Lee, was such a charming compliment to Charlene's high energy. We enjoyed their company outside work often.

I miss her and will never forget Charlene's presence in my life. I know she's made such a positive influence on everyone she touched. My heartfelt wishes go out to her dear family.   Karen Bacica & John Hosking

I have known Charlene for nearly 15 years since she began her work at SCCOE. I agree with Dan that Charlene was the heart and soul of the Ridder Park campus. She was part of the larger SCCOE family and contributed to our success in serving our clients and community. I am extremely saddened over the loss of SCCOE’s beloved Charlene.

To Charlene's daughters... she was so proud of you and your accomplishments. I feel that I know you all because your mother would tell stories about you as you reached major milestones in your life.

To Charlene's husband... thank you for being such a wonderful husband and dad. Charlene was proud of the fact that you appreciated her preparing homemade food and she felt so much joy making you feel special in her life. She also told me that whenever you were on a business trip, you would call home and tell Dylan how much you love him. Charlene treasured your thoughtfulness and love.

To Dylan... know that your mother was so proud of you for speaking three languages: Chinese, English and Vietnamese. Your mother’s love and your memories of her will stay in your heart forever.

And to Charlene... I admired the work you did every day and your invaluable contributions to the big family at SCCOE. You created magical memories for many of my celebrations through your creativity and thoughtfulness. You did everything you could to make the event perfect. For the first A Look at Learning annual showcase, you prepared beautiful centerpieces accompanied with tablecloths and elegant food arrangements. Guests knew they received the red-carpet VIP treatment and they continued to share their positive comments with me even a year after the showcase. The success of the event was a result of your creativity, talent, and eye for details.

During a recent week-end annual event, Charlene and her team prepared tasty breakfasts and delicious lunches for 400 participants and, in addition, she stayed up all night and handmade coffee cakes and desserts for the participants which added to the specialness of the event.   Charlene and her team also prepared a special lunch for the presenters.  When I saw what was presented on the table, I could see the care and thoughtfulness she took to prepare and present the food. After I tasted it I once again realized how truly exceptional she was. I marveled, "How could she do so much and do it so well?" I could go on and on and give examples of how Charlene contributed to successes at SCCOE and what her kindness, positive energy and willingness meant to her friends and colleagues. I sincerely thank you for all you did for us.

My greatest condolences go to your family. Charlene's loving memory will remain in my heart forever!

This is a dear memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I dropped in to her house last thanksgiving  to pick up my 6 year old son, Ashish who was playing with Dylan(They spend lots of weekends and holidays together) Charlene was making a meat dish with green apples, she was so excited about it and gave me a spoonful to taste. It was so good!!!. As I was leaving, I missed the front door and walked into their living room and did not realize I was in their living room. I started looking for my shoes and then realized that I was not outside the house yet!!.  Lee who was observing this burst into laughter seeing my face and he could not stop laughing. Charlene did not understnd what happened and why Lee was laughing so hard. I still remeber that suprised look on her face as she was wondering what is wrong with her husband:)

I will miss you Charlene and the times that we watched our sons play while we had our little talks about our families.