LACONIA ---- Our sister, Charlette Stoodley, died Friday, February 27, 2026 unexpectedly and quietly at her residential home in Laconia among her loving caregivers.
Charlette was born Judy Lynn Keith on April 18, 1959 in Franklin, NH, the youngest of Walter and Glenice Keith’s five children. She never liked her given name so later in life she legally changed it to Charlette, a nine-letter name, nine being her favorite number.
Charlette was the family’s memory keeper. She knew all our birthdays including the year, and most of our anniversaries. She never failed to send a card or make a call or pass on greetings to her nieces and nephews through one of her siblings.
Charlette is predeceased by her parents and her brothers Greg and Chip. She leaves behind a devoted niece Jessica Bolduc who visited regularly and always brought treats; nieces Dina, Beth, Lindsay, nephew Jeff and step-nieces Shannon, and Samantha and step-nephews Shane and Jacob, all of whom she talked about and missed. And us, sister Bonnie Carnivale and brother Dan Keith, who will miss her calls, “Hello, this is your sister Charlette calling.” But as she once reminded us, “People who are no longer living can’t make phone calls. They have to get someone to do it for them.”
There will be no calling hours. The family with gather to share memories and stories at a future date.
A private family graveside service will take place this spring at Park Cemetery, Tilton, NH.
It is heartening to know that in the years since our sister came into this world the stigma of intellectual disability and mental illness has changed. Science and compassion have replaced ignorance and shunning. Lakes Region Community Service has been a life changer for Charlette along with a cast of caregivers. We are deeply grateful. Donations to that organization or any organization that has been a part of your own experience is most welcome.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.