Obituary of Charlene Elizabeth Saxton
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Charlene Elizabeth Saxton (nee Howland) on 11 August 2020. Charlene is survived by her two devoted daughters, Sandi Saxton (Pat Carr) of Kingston and Susan Saxton-Hamel (Al Hamel) of Ottawa and their father, A.G. (Bud) Saxton of Kingston. Charlene is survived by her sister Beth White (Howland/McAllister) of Woodstock, ON and predeceased by her brothers William Thomas Howland (Sharon) and Robert Glenn Howland (Glynne) and her parents, Charles P Howland and Wilma G Howland, of Kingston. Charlene will be missed by many nieces, nephews and those who considered her part of their family. Charlene was born and raised in Kingston. She worked as a stenographer, homemaker and caregiver but her greatest joy came from her chosen role, Mother of her two daughters. They were her pride and joy. Charlene loved to cook, sew and tell stories. She often boasted of walking from her apartment out to the Cataraqui mall to spend the afternoon and upon returning home, headed out again, to walk downtown to Confederation park. Charlene fought a difficult battle against the damaging effects of a life altering stroke in 2018. She will be missed by all that knew her, from city bus drivers, to mall staff, to sales clerks and to those who knew her as the sweet little lady with the cap, red lipstick and red nail polish. A celebration of her life, her love for her family and her family’s love for her will be held a later time. As per her request, after a private family ceremony with her daughters, their spouses and their Dad, Mom was cremated. In lieu of flowers and because Mom was an avid supporter of Soldier On and the Boys & Girls Club of Kingston, donations may be made in her memory. We would like to express our thanks to Hayley at James Reid Funeral Home, her compassion, understanding and guidance has been a light in the darkness. Our Mom loved butterflies, “Perhaps the butterfly is proof that you can go through a great deal of darkness and still become something beautiful.” - Unknown. We love you Mommie.
