Obituaries

Passed away peacefully, in her 83rd year, at Caressant Care McLaughlin in Lindsay on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Loving wife of Bob (September 1, 2025) for 57 years. It seems only fitting that after a lifetime together, Charlene would not be apart from Bob for long. Their journey continues, hand in hand.

Charlene will be remembered by her children Steven (Ildy), Colleen (Rob), Michael (Nicole), and Dave. Nana to Giselle, Rachelle, Hannah, Paige, Nathan, and Ryan. Charlene is predeceased by her parents Yvonne and Joseph Martin, and brother in law Willi Gibbs. Charlene is remembered by her siblings Joe Martin (Cathy), Ann Marie McCabe (Ron), Doreen Gibbs, and Allan Martin. Charlene will also be remembered lovingly by nieces, nephews and many extended family members and friends.

Charlene was born on September 30, 1942 in Saint John, New Brunswick. She graduated from Saint Vincent’s Girls’ High School in 1960 and after teacher’s college, she taught primary school at St. Joseph’s College in Saint John from 1961-1964. Charlene moved to Ontario in 1964 teaching at St. Christopher’s Elementary School and St. Paul’s Elementary School in Durham region. After falling in love with Bob, Charlene moved to Lindsay in 1967. After a brief stint at Parkview Public School, she joined St. Mary’s Elementary school for a year before having her children. She returned to teaching in 1977 at St. Mary’s in Lindsay and St. Luke’s in Downeyville until her retirement in 1998. Charlene spent fifteen of these years teaching special education.

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1988, Charlene showed tremendous tenacity, always living life to the fullest and leaning into her faith. She enjoyed spending time with treasured family and friends hosting a number of large gatherings over the years, most notably, Thanksgiving celebrations. Charlene and Bob travelled across Canada over the years and loved returning home to New Brunswick.

The Ashmore family would like to thank the caring staff at Caressant Care for their support and professional care over the last six years. They would also like to thank Bob and Charlene’s parish communities of St. Luke’s and St. Mary’s for their love and support.

A visitation will take place at Stoddart Funeral Home, 24 Mill Street, Lindsay on Monday, September 22nd from 2:30-4:00, and 6:00-8:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 31 Russell St. East Lindsay on Tuesday, September 23rd at 1:00pm. Private interment will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at Celebrations, Lindsay, 35 Lindsay Street North, Lindsay. If desired, a donation can be made in memory of Charlene, to Operation Smile (made by cheque at the funeral home).