Charlene A. Wren

Charlene A. Wren, 87, passed peacefully at home on March 9, 2026, surrounded by family after a period of declining health. Born in Brooks, Maine, on February 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.

She built her life around family, hard work, and quiet devotion. At a young age she married her beloved husband, Francis, 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, raising their five sons while building the farm that became the heart of their world. Charlene was an essential partner in the family business, managing the bookkeeping, payroll, taxes, and finances with care and precision, while also tending to the household that kept the farm running. She welcomed every worker to her table and made the house a place of warmth and order.

Her deepest joy was always her family. A devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and caretaker, Charlene lovingly opened her home to her father-in-law, mother-in-law, and her own mother. She took great pride in her sons, supporting their school activities, athletic pursuits, and life journeys. The farm and family home became a gathering place for siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. Holidays, summer visits, and spontaneous drop-ins were common, and Charlene delighted in hosting them all. When grandchildren arrived, her joy 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 steady, loving center of the farm family legacy, defined by generosity, resilience, and unwavering devotion to home and family. She is survived by her five sons—Fran and Marcia, Alfred and Laurie, George, Dan, and Dana and Angel—along with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Arthur Roberts and his wife Cyndy, sister Sheila Moody and her husband Ronnie, sister-in-law Pat Roberts, and many extended family members whose lives were enriched by her kindness and open heart. 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.