Charlene Gervais

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Charlene passed on Tuesday May 30th, 2023, with her family by her side.  Beloved wife of Lance Bennett of 41 years. Cherished mother of Stephen (Anne Yee).  Survived by mother and father-in-law Edythe (née Coutu) and Roy Falconer.  Pre-deceased by her parents Anne (née Dufault) and Cecil Gervais.  Loving Grams to Jacob and Spencer. Dearest sister of Darquise, Rosemary, Ricky (Anne), Sheryl, and Julie and sister-in-law to Rachel (Terry). Much loved by many nieces and nephews, including her godchildren Benjamin, Michael, and Daniel.

Charlene has been a friend and mentor to everyone she met. Whether colleague, friend, or neighbour, she was always present with kindness and compassion, and a “well, hello!!”.  Life-long learning was important to Charlene and she perfected the art of balancing new classes and programs with her work and family life.  Charlene was an avid reader and loved to talk books.  She read 186 books in 2022 (not a typo!) and her last count to the end of March 2023 was 49 books.

Physical health was important to Charlene and over the years she completed a marathon, a few half-marathons, and many 5k and 10k runs in various Ottawa running events. Although she had to stop running, she continued her daily regime which included longs walks in the neighbourhood and, her favourite, the Central Experimental Farm and Arboretum with Lance and family canine companions (Fred/Dexter).

Charlene was kind, generous, and compassionate.  And the most fun.  She is the one we waited for so we could get the party started. She is what we all aspire to.  She was filled with compassion and joy for living and for giving fully.  Charlene, we will always miss you so much. You will be in our hearts and memories forever.

Memorial visitation to be held at the Westboro chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 2 p.m. followed by a service in the chapel at 3 p.m.  The family request the social distancing rules be respected and masks be worn if possible

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ottawa Food Bank or the Friends of the Farm would be greatly appreciated