2 min read

Charlene Fournier

BINGHAM – Charlene Fournier, 74, of Bingham, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, to be with her Lord and Savior.

Charlene was born in Jackman in 1951, the daughter of Donald and Rachel Fournier. She graduated from Forest Hills High School in 1970.

She spent a few years away from Jackman while married and working at Kyes Fiber in Waterville.

In 1975, Charlene moved back to Jackman and began her legacy of working with individuals with intellectual disabilities at the Northland Living Center in Jackman. She worked her way up to become the social worker for the facility. Charlene became the ears, voice, and fierce advocate for her residents — to her, they were family. She devoted her life to their care, and in return, she felt their love and with that she was respected by many. Charlene retired from Northland Living Center in 2017.

She spent her winters in Florida, where she enjoyed her many friendships and being active in the community. She served on the entertainment committee, enjoyed morning coffees, rode her bike, played cards, Mini Tok, shuffleboard, visited flea markets, beaches and loved trips to Vero Beach soaking up the sunshine. When April came, Charlene was always ready for her return trip home to Maine.

In 2021, she made the move from Jackman to Bingham. Charlene loved when her Jackman friends and her sister, or niece, would stop by for visits. She looked forward to daily mail drops from her buddy and friend, Joe, and enjoyed visiting with her next-door neighbors, who quickly became dear friends.

Charlene was an optimist and even with some physical challenges, she remained active and enjoyed her life. She was a caregiver by nature and when she could she enjoyed helping others. She was a jokester, with a great smile and laugh. She loved cooking and sharing, enjoyed watching her birds especially the cardinals. Car rides, camp, hunting, traveling, books. music, watching Hallmark, and church on Sundays.

Charlene leaves behind her person and best friend, Dodi Mingo.

She is also survived by her beloved sister, Elizabeth Smyth, and her husband Jim, nephews David and Michael (and his wife Laura); sister, Susan Hunnewell and nephews Donald and Frankie, and niece Yolanda; and cousins.

Charlene also leaves behind several people who, over the years, stole her heart and became like family.

To her dearest and best friends — she may not have said it, but she loved you. You know it, and you know who you are.

A celebration of life for Charlene will be held in Jackman on Oct. 25, at 12 p.m. at the Moose River Congregational Church in Jackman. A gathering and light lunch will follow at the American Legion Hall in downtown Jackman.

Condolences, and further memories can be shared at: http://www.directcremationofmaine.com

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

*Trinity Baptist Church

64 Old Canada Rd.

Moscow, ME 04920

*Arbor House

Central Maine Medical Center

300 Main St.

Lewiston, ME 04240

*Haitian Ministries

987 Finson Rd.

Bangor, ME 04401

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