BOSTON - It is with heavy hearts, we announce, that on September 20, 2022, Charlene Jay Skladzien, beloved sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend, has left her earthly body, embarking on the next phase of her journey, towards eternal rest and peace. To the very end, Charlene fiercely fought the recently diagnosed form of aggressive pancreatic cancer, that would close this chapter of her journey.
Charlene was born in Worcester, on January 25th, 1953, daughter of late Massachusetts State Representative, and Town Counsel to both Webster and Dudley, Charles J. Skladzien, and the late Juliette E. (Cournoyer) Skladzien. Charlene grew up in Webster, attending St. Anne's Elementary School, and Bartlett High School. Charlene continued her education at Northeastern University, in Boston, where amongst other courses, she studied psychology, a field that in her career, later in life, would become an invaluable asset.
Upon graduation from Northeastern University, Charlene made the decision to make Boston her permanent residence, once venturing away to neighboring Waltham, for a short time, but swiftly returning to Boston for the remainder of her life – Charlene once said that the disconnect from her beloved Boston was too much to bear, she needed to return home, to Boston, "the city that was alive". Charlene immersed herself in city life enjoying music, the performing arts and all that the city had to offer.
Charlene went on to hold many diverse positions throughout her working career. As a research and patient assistant with Retina Associate, Charlene was one of a team, whose research in clinical and experimental Ophthalmology can still be found in published Clinical Investigations. Charlene at one time experimented with her artistic flair in floral design, went on to work for the US Postal Service, followed by a multi-decade long career, with the United States Of America, Department of Homeland Security, retiring as an Immigration Officer. Through her residency in Boston, and diverse career path, Charlene acquired many friends along the way.
Charlene leaves behind her beloved brother Joseph Charles Skladzien, Sr, and his wife Lynn, of Dudley; a niece Stacy Skladzien and her partner Joshua Greenstein, and Stacy's daughter, grandniece Olivia Pearl; a nephew Joseph Charles Skladzien, Jr, his wife Melanie, and their children, grandnephews Alexander Charles and Madden Robert, and grandniece Briella Grace; a niece Julie Langlitz, her husband Cody, and their children, grandnephews Blake Charles and Wyatt James; many extended family members, and friends, some of which include high school friends Denise and Pattie, residing in the Webster area, and Barbara in California; the many friendships made along the way, through Charlene’s diverse career path, and association with her beloved Boston, including longtime friends and co-workers Beth, Terry, Carol, Elvira, Denis, Lisette, and Linda C., Charlene's many neighbors and friends at The Tremont On The Common Condominiums, Jim and Dan, Frannie, Katie, Yolanda, Richard and Tom, just to name a few.
Charlene's family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to the Overlook Masonic Healthcare, Post-Acute Care Unit nurses, PCA's, social workers, receptionists, and office administration, specially appointed hospice social workers, nurses, PCA’s and hospice Chaplin David MacDonald. The compassion and care given to Charlene, in the final chapter of her life, brought to Charlene, a sense of joy and happiness, at a very difficult time. Deepest heartfelt thanks to Reverend Adam Reid, of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Webster, for his many visits with Charlene, offering words of comfort, compassion and blessings, throughout her time at Overlook Masonic Healthcare.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 24, in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 16 East Main Street, Webster (please meet at church). Burial will be in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace, Webster. Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 23 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, Webster. Charlene’s family requests, flowers be omitted and instead donations be made to Pancreatic Cancer Research, or to a charity of one's choosing.