"The WheresGeorge? community has just recently learned of Charlene's passing. Her footprint on the site was very apparent when measured by the number of bills entered. I know I found and entered a number of her bills over the years. She returned the courtesy in kind. As a fellow Iowa Georger I am disappointed I never had the opportunity to meet her. From the info and thoughts left here it seems she was loving and loved. I hope the months since her passing has brought her extended family and circle of friends peace as needed. -- T.W. Hess, Des Moines, IA "
In loving memory of
Charlene E. Albright
January 10, 1943 - August 16, 2022
MUSCATINE, Iowa -Charlene (Char) Esther Albright, 79, of Muscatine, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at her home.
Her family will welcome friends for a visitation on Monday, August 22, 2022 from 4:00 until 6:00 PM at the Ralph J. Wittich Riley-Freers Funeral home in Muscatine. A funeral service will follow at 6:00 PM, also at the funeral home, with Reverend David Wittmann presiding. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to her family, payable to Michael Albright. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com
Charlene was born on January 10, 1943, in Iowa City, the daughter of Floyd J. Harned and Anna Ogren; she was the youngest of four sisters: Phyllis Kesler of West Liberty, Carol (Mrs. Dale) Miller of Longwood, Florida, and Barbara (Dr. Gary) Bailey of Kennewick, Washington. She was blessed with two children, Michael Albright and Tricia Strasser, both of Muscatine, along with nine grandchildren.
One of Charlene's greatest joys was receiving her son Michael Justin Albright and daughter Latricia (Tricia) Strasser. She was also the mother to several foster children that she welcomed into her home. In her 75th year of life, she was reunited with her biological daughter Kathy Yff, who now lives in Canada. By her side in her final years were all three of her beloved children, Michael, Tricia, and Kathy, along with her partner Mike Hopkins.
Char had a love of children from a very early age, so was happy to have five grandsons, four granddaughters, two great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters to spend those special holiday times and moments with.
She was married to Ron E. Albright and was partner to "Buddy" - Lawrence W. Kennedy until his passing and has spent the last seven years with Mike Hopkins, who shared with her a love of travel and adventure. They worked hard together, creating a beautiful homestead, and having a vegetable stand every summer, as well as canning.
She leaves behind many colleagues and friends over the past 40 years through her work at the 1st National Bank. She retired twice, after the first time she returned to have her ideal of working part time, filling in for vacations, sick days, etc. and having winter off to travel; this was her ideal. She worked up until her diagnosis of ALS, as she loved the patrons and coworkers and could always get a stash of one-dollar bills for Where's George? Yes, she is the top Iowa "Where's George?". She started "Where's George?" on Nov. 25th, 1999, and since that time she has entered 392,862+ bills in 50 states plus DC, with 223 international hits in 79 countries. Every night she would faithfully enter in her "Georges" before heading to bed.
She loved visiting her Aunt Wilma of 100 years and Uncle Carl of 101 years, as well as serving her Avon customers and enjoying family events that included all her grandchildren which she loved so much. She also loved her animals; her birds and cats which she ensured were well fed.
She maintained her positive spirit, activity, and willfulness to love life throughout her illness with ALS; may she rest in peace and look down on us with her blessings. When we see a red cardinal, we will know you are with us. God Bless.
Tributes
"Thoughts and prayers to Char's family. Char was one of my favorite people to work with at the bank, she was always in a great mood and had a contagious smile! I enjoyed learning about the "Where's George's" and hearing about the different traveling stories. I am so glad to have met Char and have her be a part of my life. You will be missed dearly! -Allison Eagle"
"Charlene will be missed in the "George Community""
"I'm so sorry to hear this. Char was our faithful Avon lady. May she rest in peace and she will be truly missed. Maria (Leza) Frausto"
"I remember Char from the bank and our days at MCC. Always had a smile and hi! Bob Fiedler"
"char was a very wonderful women i will miss her "
"So sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers to Char's family. You will be missed Jo Miller "
"Char was a great lady. We will remember her by her contagious Smile and her love to dance. Dance on in heaven Char, you will be missed. Peg and Mitch Bartenhagen"
"Condolences to Char's family, I know she will be missed by many. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. "