Charlene O'Brien Obituary

Charlene Raynor O'Brien
Charlene Raynor O'Brien, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 30th, at the age of 87.
Charlene was born on June 22nd, 1938, in Glen Cove, Long Island, NY. She met the love of her life, Francis J. O'Brien in seventh grade. They dated throughout middle school, high school, and college, and they were married on August 29, 1959, in Freeport, Long Island.
Charlene went to business school at Mrs. Skinner's Secretarial School in Long Island and proudly graduated first in her class with a Legal Secretary degree; she also received the highest score in Nassau County on the Civil Service exam. Fran and Charlene raised their four children in Portland, Connecticut and developed friendships that would last a lifetime. In 1967, Charlene started the Portland Junior Women's Club, and she proudly became their first president. Charlene also loved collecting recipes and studying new languages and she always had a crossword puzzle book nearby.
Charlene's family, including her husband, four children, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandson, were the joy and center of her life. Charlene loved to travel with Fran, and over the years, they visited Hilton Head, SC, England, Ireland, Italy, Germany, and Scotland. Perhaps her favorite adventures were the many summers spent in Mabou Harbor, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where she and Fran designed and built a house and spent many hours listening to fiddle music, enjoying Irish culture, dancing, and being with friends at the Red Shoe.
Charlene is survived by her daughter Terri O'Brien (Dave Domogala), daughter Sandy Miniati (Peter Miniati), daughter Julie Coiro (Charlie Coiro) and, son Charlie O'Brien (Laura O'Brien); and her grandchildren Meghan Occhialini (Anthony Occhialini), Derek Domogala, Michael Miniati (Jenny Miniati), Sarah Coiro, Claire Domogala, Kelly Domogala (Anas Fadli), Maggie Miniati, Jack Miniati, Emma O'Brien, Abby O'Brien, and Paige O'Brien; and her great-grandson Beckham Occhialini. Charlene was also predeceased by her husband, Francis J. O'Brien, her mother, Isabella Raynor, her father, Charles W. Raynor, and siblings Lois Leys and David Hull.
Charlene will be remembered by many dear friends. Thank you to the caregivers at Colebrook Village in Hebron, CT and Marlborough Health and Rehabilitation Center, in Marlborough, CT for their gentle caring and support.
A funeral will be held on Monday, October 6th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 554 Main St., Portland. Burial will follow in the family plot in Swedish Cemetery, Portland. Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland on Monday, October 6th from 9 until 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org/donate.html).