It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Charlene Elizabeth Watts on the 29th of December 2011.
Charlene was born is Penticton, B.C. on April 7, 1950. Her family moved back and forth between B.C. and Alberta before finally settling in Burnaby, B.C. She attended Burnaby South high school where she met and fell in love with David Watts. She dove right into her teaching degree at SFU. After teaching in the lower mainland for a few years, David took a transfer that brought both of them and Charlene’s horse to the Bulkley Valley. Here she found amazing new friends and a vibrant community she quickly became an important part of.
Charlene’s passion for education took her into every school here in the Valley. She was at the forefront of providing special programs for gifted children and shared many ideas such as Olympics of the Mind with the valley. At the same time she was a dedicated and loving mother to her daughter Samantha. Between riding lessons, Girl Guide adventures and various school commitments, Charlene was always at her daughter’s side with support and love.
Charlene had an opportunity to expand her talents through the BCTF and took a four year contract in Vancouver. Her charisma and dedication was shared further and her circle of close friends only grew. Here she was able to spend more time with her sister Patricia and late father Charlie. Charlene returned to the valley and immediately picked up where she left off. She soon found herself unanimously voted into office as local teacher president. She thrived in this role and enjoyed the travel and new challenges it brought.
One of her many passions, travel, quickly took front stage once retired as she and Linnea Lanstrom started to travel the globe. Her contagious smile, quick wit and infectious spirit will always bring smiles and joy to anyone who knew her.
A Service of Remembrance was held for Charlene and Linnea on Saturday, January 7th at the Smithers Senior Secondary School. In lieu of flowers donations to the Friends of the Smithers Public Library would be appreciated and can be made at the Bulkley Valley Credit Union in Smithers.