Charlene (Blackburn) French passed away unexpectedly in her home in Ferndale on Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 at the age of 72.
Charlene is survived by her husband, Robert French; mother Natalie Blackburn; children Janae (Rod) Schindler, Lorin French, Deanna (Brian) Belsby, Suzi (Jason) Pickett and Benita (Dave) Bedell; nine grandchildren and two great-grandsons; sister Marlene Conovor; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Charlene made everybody feel like family. Liked by all, she was outgoing and full of joy, someone you always wanted near. She was often busy cooking for her family, shopping, volunteering at her church, or reading. She was happiest with a house full of family and friends.
In her earlier years she worked as a real estate agent, head cook for Ferndale High School, then a paraeducator, and she found her calling working with special-needs children. She also enjoyed traveling in Australia and New Zealand, flying as co-pilot with her husband, and camping and boating.
Her funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, in St. Joseph Catholic Church of Ferndale, with a celebration of life to follow in the hall.
