Charlene Pearl Griffith was born on March 7, 1956 in Delhi, N.Y. to Leonard William and Marion (Minturn) Griffith. She passed away August 16, 2026 from probable heart issues and a fall at her home in Bainbridge, N.Y., at the age of 70 years.

As a child, Charlene traveled cross country to California with her parents and graduated from Fontana High School, Fontana, California.

She came back to this area to take care of her grandfather, William Griffith. Interestingly, he had been in the cavalry in World War I. On his 90th birthday, Charlene gave him a party which was a two-day affair so he wouldn't get tired out. She must have been an excellent caregiver, as he died in 1990 at the age of 96.

Charlene loved to read and had an extensive library and also collected various kinds of advertising and decorative tins. She was very proud to own her own home to do with it as she pleased. She knew how to stretch a dollar out of necessity, but never complained. She was a great couponer. With no car, Charlene had to rely on others to get her around, but was very resourceful and independent otherwise. She loved kids, worked as a pre- school teacher's aide, and had taken some child care college courses through Morrisville College.

She was a member of the Guilford Historical Society and acted as cashier at their yard sales. She also helped organize hundreds of Guilford postcards.

Charlene was "adopted" by the Utter family siblings (Marlene, Clyde, Joyce, Lois, and Dale) and was included in many of their activities from family gatherings to reunions. She especially enjoyed "cookie day" where she presided over dividing the Christmas baked goods among the families. Her other "adopted" family was Barbara and Allen Castle and their children, Chris and Jennifer, and grandchildren Alyssa and Josie. There were over 35 years of weekly shopping, book/yard sales, and holidays with the whole family. They loved her dearly. Friends would take her to doctor's appointments. Charlene became acquainted with Barb and Marlene through child care. Her quiet presence was a comfortable addition to all these get-togethers, and she would offer her opinions and feedback if asked. She could speak knowledgeably about many subjects.

She was cremated at Hillington Crematory in Morris, N.Y. and will be buried in the Utter family plot at Maplewood Cemetery in Mt. Upton. A graveside service will be on September 2, at 2 pm. Please, if you have it, wear purple or lavender, which was her favorite color. Memorial donations may be made to Guilford Historical Society, P.O. Box 201, Guilford, N.Y. 13780. Her care was under the direction of C. H. Landers Funeral Home, Sidney, N.Y.

She will be dearly missed.