Charlene Mae Veronica (LeBlanc) Smith

SKOWHEGAN – Charlene Mae Veronica LeBlanc Smith, 90, was taken home Jan. 9, 2026 at 11:30 p.m. She was born on Oct. 14, 1935, in Skowhegan to Arthur J. LeBlanc and Edna M. (Plourde) LeBlanc.

Charlene was able to remain at home thanks to the dedicated and unwavering care of her husband, Lee, and the loving support of her granddaughters, Marissa Severance and Megan Lowell, for providing special care in her final hours.

She graduated from Skowhegan Area High School in 1953 and married her one and only true love, Lee Smith, on Oct. 2, 1954. Together, they recently celebrated 71 years of marriage. Charlene and Lee shared a lifelong tradition of daily rides, starting with family trips in the station wagon after supper and continuing into their later years with afternoon drives to see the Amish in Mercer and enjoy lunch at McDonald’s.

Charlene was an avid knitter until a stroke in 2019, leaving behind cherished mittens, Christmas stockings, sweaters, and afghans for her family. In her younger years, she delighted her family with homemade whoopie pies and dynamites for camping trips, which evolved into treasured times at “upta camp” on Parlin Pond. She and Lee also enjoyed traveling with friends and family and spending winters in New Port Richey, Fla., where they embraced the beaches, sunshine, and new friendships.

A passionate reader, Charlene transitioned from paper books to her Kindle as her love for reading endured. She also took great joy in attending her grandchildren’s activities across the state. Her most important role was raising her family on East Maple Street, where she lived her entire life. Later, she worked for Andrews Accounting Service, Sears and Roebuck, and finished her career at Key Appliance, forming lasting friendships with Dorene and Lee Poulin.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Edna LeBlanc; siblings Arthur (Anna) LeBlanc, Phyllis Long, Priscilla Spencer, and Carroll LeBlanc; in-laws Alton and Helen Smith, Harold (Gweneth) Smith, Myron (Josephine) Smith, Guinevere (Gerald) Lambert, and Gerald Bulmer; niece, Vicky Taylor; and granddaughter-in-law, Courtney Smith. She is survived by her devoted husband of 71 years, Lee; in-laws Beverly Bulmer, Jim (Dawn) Smith, Stanley Spencer, and Lynda LeBlanc; children Michael (Sheila) Smith, Cherylene (Leonard) Carr, and Gregory (Kelly) Smith; grandchildren Craig (Megan) Smith, Marissa (Ted) Severance, Keith Smith, Melissa Lyons, Heather Lyons, Megan (Craig) Lowell, Bethany Sevey, Bryan Smith, and Erin (Jason McLellan) Smith; great-grandchildren Cady and Gabe Smith, Xavier and Elijah Severance, Brooke Smith, Devin Dressler, Kaiden Vitalone, Lilly and Landon Rawcliffe, Rylee and Brayden Lowell, Becca Jennings, and Madalyn McLellan; step-grandchildren Joshua (Jessica) York and Luke (Amber) York; step-great-grandchildren Carter and Adaline York, Caraline and Coralee York; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held on May 16, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery, 200 North Ave., Skowhegan. A celebration of Charlene’s life will immediately follow at Tewksbury Hall, 6 Weston Ave. in Skowhegan.

A special thank you to all the family and friends for their loving and supportive care of Charlene. Also, to Beacon Hospice for providing their invaluable support. Along with Charlene’s medical team throughout the last few years.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be shared at Charlene’s memorial page at https://svremembrancecenter.com/obituaries/charlene-smith-2026 .

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Beacon Hospice or a charity of your choice.