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Obituary for Charline Wilson
Charline Wilson passed away peacefully at home in Oak Harbor on April 9, 2015. That was just four days after her 86th birthday celebration on Easter Sunday with most of her children, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren attending. Her health declined in recent months while she was surrounded by loving family members and dedicated caregivers.
She was born in Chicago and spent her early years in Pelham Manor, NY. During her teens Charline lived with her indulging mother and pampering grandmother in Ronan, Mont. and in Palm Springs and Pasadena, Calif. Charline filled her days with mostly adult companions by creating plays and acting them out in neighborhood back yards. She also began her life-long interest in religion – ending at Whidbey Presbyterian Church in Oak Harbor.
In 1946, she graduated from high school in the Pasadena Rose Bowl, and then attended Stanford University where she wrapped up a MRS degree by successfully landing her husband, Doug Wilson, a fellow student and Naval Aviator veteran. Moving with Doug’s oil exploration career path, they raised four children – Bruce, Marc, Cheri, and Kevin – in Bakersfield, CA, Roswell, NM, Midland, TX, Manhattan Beach and Corona del Mar, CA. Though her studies were postponed in 1949 after beginning her family, in typical fashion she persevered and in 1970 completed her bachelor’s degree in History from the University of California, Irvine and received a teaching credential. She loved being a teacher and librarian in Corona del Mar and later in Kauai.
She and Doug retired to Kauai in 1978 and jointly started a successful real estate brokerage. She was involved in many organizations – Hospice, Hawaiian cultural endeavors, church, cruise ship greeting, Outdoor Circle, and condominium governance. She was at home with people of all cultures. They enjoyed traveling to unusual places such as remote South Pacific islands, Eastern Europe behind the iron curtain, and northern Alaska. She said she would like to live permanently on a cruise ship. They moved to a cottage at Oak Harbor’s Regency on Whidbey after Charline’s 80th birthday celebration in the owner’s suite of a cruise ship circling the Hawaiian Islands.
Charline is survived by Doug, beloved husband for 66 years, as well as by their 4 children, 6 granddaughters, and 4 great-grandchildren. She was devoted to them as they are to her.
Charline loved to throw parties and celebrate events throughout her life. She faced life with happiness and zest. She asked that any celebration of her life be a party -- so we will have a remembrance party on Saturday, June 20th from 2-4:30 PM at the Whidbey Cottages Clubhouse, 161 W. Whidbey Avenue in Oak Harbor. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.
Charline, we love you with all our hearts and will miss you forever.
She was born in Chicago and spent her early years in Pelham Manor, NY. During her teens Charline lived with her indulging mother and pampering grandmother in Ronan, Mont. and in Palm Springs and Pasadena, Calif. Charline filled her days with mostly adult companions by creating plays and acting them out in neighborhood back yards. She also began her life-long interest in religion – ending at Whidbey Presbyterian Church in Oak Harbor.
In 1946, she graduated from high school in the Pasadena Rose Bowl, and then attended Stanford University where she wrapped up a MRS degree by successfully landing her husband, Doug Wilson, a fellow student and Naval Aviator veteran. Moving with Doug’s oil exploration career path, they raised four children – Bruce, Marc, Cheri, and Kevin – in Bakersfield, CA, Roswell, NM, Midland, TX, Manhattan Beach and Corona del Mar, CA. Though her studies were postponed in 1949 after beginning her family, in typical fashion she persevered and in 1970 completed her bachelor’s degree in History from the University of California, Irvine and received a teaching credential. She loved being a teacher and librarian in Corona del Mar and later in Kauai.
She and Doug retired to Kauai in 1978 and jointly started a successful real estate brokerage. She was involved in many organizations – Hospice, Hawaiian cultural endeavors, church, cruise ship greeting, Outdoor Circle, and condominium governance. She was at home with people of all cultures. They enjoyed traveling to unusual places such as remote South Pacific islands, Eastern Europe behind the iron curtain, and northern Alaska. She said she would like to live permanently on a cruise ship. They moved to a cottage at Oak Harbor’s Regency on Whidbey after Charline’s 80th birthday celebration in the owner’s suite of a cruise ship circling the Hawaiian Islands.
Charline is survived by Doug, beloved husband for 66 years, as well as by their 4 children, 6 granddaughters, and 4 great-grandchildren. She was devoted to them as they are to her.
Charline loved to throw parties and celebrate events throughout her life. She faced life with happiness and zest. She asked that any celebration of her life be a party -- so we will have a remembrance party on Saturday, June 20th from 2-4:30 PM at the Whidbey Cottages Clubhouse, 161 W. Whidbey Avenue in Oak Harbor. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.
Charline, we love you with all our hearts and will miss you forever.
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