Charlene Rae (Corbin) Holmes of Darien passed away peacefully at her home on Oct. 29, 2021, with her family present and near her bedside. She was 90.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Jaquelyn B. Bernard, her parents and husband David Bartlett (Joe) Holmes who died on Sept. 6, 2005.
Charlene was born in Levant, Maine on Nov. 15,1930 to John Benton Corbin and Avenelle Hannah (Goodwin) Corbin. She graduated from Portland, Maine High School in 1948, and then married David Holmes in 1949 in Portland before they relocated to Stamford in 1950 and to Darien in 1958. They were married 57 years.
Charlene was a homemaker, and a devout member for over 60 years of the Union Memorial Church in the Glenbrook section of Stamford.
There she taught Sunday School, was a member of the Women’s Guild and served on many boards, including several pastoral search committees. Charlene was an Honored Lady of the local Order of the Amaranth, a Scout leader and merit badge counselor.
After raising three children she worked locally and most recently for the Darien Board of Education until she retired. Afterwards, she volunteered for many years at the Darien Community Association Thrift Shop, where she enjoyed the camaraderie of the personnel and customers.
Charlene also was a volunteer teacher assistant at the Union Memorial Preschool, enriching young lives through the magic of storytelling and imagination. She loved her home of 57 years; tending gardens, baking, sewing and sharing her insights and Yankee ingenuity with neighbors. She was an inspiration to those who knew her and beloved by her husband, children, many friends and family.
Charlene is survived by her three children: David B. Holmes and his spouse, Denise Remington Holmes of Marco Island Florida, Stephen E. Holmes of Darien and Amy C. Holmes of Trumbull. Also three grandchildren: David, Carrie and Joseph; two great-granddaughters, Aurora and Emmalyn; and several nieces and nephews who were dear to her.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date; details will be communicated to family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please send your heartfelt donation to the Union Memorial Church of Glenbrook and/or “Families of Grace” of Collier County, Florida.
— an obituary from the Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home and the Stamford Advocate on Legacy.com where online condolences may be left