Charlene A. Wren

THORNDIKE – Charlene A. Wren, 87, passed peacefully at home on March 9, 2026, surrounded by family after a period of declining health.

Born in Brooks, on Feb. 2,1939, the daughter of Alfred and Mattie (Elwell) Roberts, Charlene – known to many as “Charnie” – enjoyed a happy childhood surrounded by siblings and lifelong friends.

Charlene built her life around family, hard work, and devotion to those she loved. She married her beloved husband, Francis, at a young age, and together they made their home on the family dairy farm on Files Hill in Thorndike, Maine. For many years they worked side by side building the farm and raising their five sons.

Charlene was an essential partner in the family business. She managed the farm’s bookkeeping and finances, working closely with banks and accountants to handle payroll, taxes, and the countless details that kept the operation running. At the same time, she maintained the household that supported the daily rhythm of farm life—preparing meals, keeping supplies stocked, and ensuring that everyone who worked on the farm felt welcome at her table.

Her deepest joy, however, was always her family. Charlene was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and caretaker. She lovingly cared for her father-in-law, mother-in-law, and her own mother, welcoming each of them into her home.

Charlene took immense pride in her five sons, faithfully supporting their school activities, athletic pursuits, and life journeys.

The family home and farm were places of gathering and warmth. Holidays, summer visits, and spontaneous drop-ins from siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends were common, and Charlene delighted in hosting them all. When grandchildren arrived, her joy only deepened. She became a second mother to many of them, always ready to babysit, welcome them for long sleepovers, or simply spend time together on the farm she loved.

After the passing of her husband, Charlene remained the center of the farm family legacy – a steady, loving presence whose life was defined by generosity, resilience, and devotion to home and family.

She is survived by her five sons: Fran and Marcia; Alfred and Laurie; George; Dan; and Dana and Angel. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jamie Wren, Andrew Wren, Caitlin Wren, Alex and Nichole Wren, Caleb Wren and Meagan Valles, Abigail Wren, Darren Wren and Brittney Raven, Darian Wren and Dylan Drinkwater, Brianna and Jacob Archer, Nathan and Kersey Wren, Whitney and James Philbrick, Monica and Stephen Koller, and Mariah and Wyatt Oliver; her 16 great-grandchildren, Zachary Nickerson, Jacie Nickerson, Ethan Wren, Cooper Wren, Ryder Wren, Gavin Wren, Landon Wren, Raven Giggey, Ryleigh Wren, Grayson Stevens, Josie Wren, Elora Philbrick, Jonathan Koller, Weston Wren, Acre Archer, Laken Philbrick; and many extended family members whose lives were enriched by her kindness and open home.

In addition, she is survived by her brother Arthur Roberts and his wife Cyndy; her sister Sheila Moody and her husband Ronnie; and sister-in-law Pat Roberts.

She was predeceased by her husband, Francis; her son, Dale; her grandson, Torey; her daughter-in-law, Lisa; and her brothers, Joe, Gerald, and Bob, along with other loved ones who welcomed her home.

The entire family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by close family, caregivers, and others who helped make it possible for her to remain in her home on the Files Hill with the beautiful sunsets that she so loved.

Services will be announced at a later date.

Her life reminds us that the truest measure of a person is found in the family they nurture and the love they leave behind.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.