Charlene J. Garrison

Charlene Joyce Helen Exon Garrison was born on December 28, 1936 to Charles and Ardis Exon of Libertyville, IL. Charlene excelled in her classes, sang in the school choir, and was Treasurer of the Home Economics Club. After high school she went to work for the Frank G. Hough Company as a secretary for the Engineering Department. When fellow Libertyville resident, Robert Garrison returned from serving in the Air Force, she knew he was the one. Bob and Char married in 1957 and went on to spend fifty-five years by each other’s side until Bob’s death in 2013. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Beverly and Peter Exon. Charlene was a Scout leader and taught Sunday School at the Methodist Church in Libertyville. She worked as a secretary for Oak Grove Elementary School and Libertyville Township Office. She felt lucky to have had such wonderful bosses and was truly loved by her coworkers. Charlene traveled the world to be with her family. She stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon, explored her family history in England, gallivanted around the Greek Isles, roamed China to climb the Great Wall and attended her Grandson’s wedding in Bogotá, Colombia. She was always up for an adventure. Her wit and smile brightened every room she entered, and the lives of her family and friends were better because she was with them. She was patient, gracious and boundlessly kind. She had a song in her heart, impeccable style and her blue eyes invariably sparkled. Charlene passed away in Pleasanton, CA on August 2, 2025, surrounded by family she cherished. She remains in our hearts forever and we are so grateful for all she gave us. We would like to acknowledge the devoted staff at The Parkview in Pleasanton and Hope Hospice for all their kindness and care. Charlene is survived by her four children: Vicki (Rob) Apatoff, Tracey (John) Lauer, Robert (Shirley) Garrison, and John Garrison; her six grandchildren and her eleven great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church of Libertyville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alzfdn.org) or Hope Hospice of the East Bay (hopehospice.com). For those who are unable to attend in person, the service will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@UMCLibertyville/streams or https://www.facebook.com/umclibertyville.

Charlene J. Garrison

December 28, 1938