Charlene Sisson

Charlene Sisson, 86, of Lincolnshire, IL, went to sing for the Lord on Sunday, March 19, 2023, comforted by the love and support of her three children, sister, and family. Born March 3, 1937, in Waterman Illinois, to the late Charles Bahr Sisson and Jean W. Sisson (White), she was the second of four children including Merrie, Chuck, and Suzanne. Charlene graduated from Rockford West High School in 1955 and attended University of Illinois - Dekalb. She was crowned Miss Liberty at a local beauty pageant, and soon after won the heart of John P. Stassi of Rockford, IL. They married in 1960, having three children - Johnna, Peter and Matthew, whom they raised at their country lake house in Stoughton WI. Charlene was a true lady, with a quiet calm demeanor, and tenacity to improve whatever she touched. She always had a welcoming smile and always encouraged others to stop and see the beauty along life’s path. Whether she was decorating, delighting her family with Sicilian cuisine, or sharing music, Charlene gifted the world, elevating every experience in her sweet gentle way. While family was her passion, Charlene also held many positions of responsibility throughout her work career. Her most rewarding, as Executive Assistant to Director of Head Start Madison, WI, coordinating services for thousands of preschool-age children. She also held positions as Legal Assistant Rockford IL, Harvard University Administrative Assistant, Pre-school Teacher at Head Start Phoenix, AZ, and Salesperson / Trainer at MCI communications in Phoenix AZ, where she retired in 2002. Charlene loved music and was a talented singer, pianist, and director. Her silky voice and ear for complex harmonies was a special gift she shared with family, loved ones and a myriad of competitive singing groups throughout her life such as Director Sweet Adelines barbershop quartet, Duke Ellington backup singer, and Phoenix Master Singers member, which performed at Carnegie Hall, a lifelong dream. Despite severe speech challenges in her final years, she maintained her beautiful, sweet personality, humor and joy for life. Even in her final days she was constantly singing and harmonizing with others, bringing a special comfort of song to family, caregivers, and all who knew her. She professed a strong faith in the Lord, and we know she is making great harmony with the angels in Heaven. She was our beloved “Queen Charlene”, and she will be dearly missed. Charlene was preceded in death by both parents, sister Merrie Chatham (Montalbano), brother Charles “Chuck” Sisson, former husband John P. Stassi, and grandson Andrew J. Stassi. She leaves to cherish her memories, her children; Johnna (Chris) Mosbarger, John Peter “Pete” (Alexandra) Stassi, Matthew (Rebecca) Stassi; Sisters Suzanne (Jackie) Sisson, and Cynthia (David) DeMar; Grandchildren, Daniel, Eliza, Sam, Giovanni, Isabella, Brytni, Brandon, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved dearly. A private family Celebration of Life service will be held on April 20, 2023 at Union Church of Lake Bluff, IL. with future interment at Roselawn Cemetery, Roseville, MN in August 2023

Charlene Sisson

March 3, 1937 - March 19, 2023