Charlene L. Starr

Charlene was born on February 21, 1934, to her parents Fern and Charles Shank. She passed away surrounded in peace and love on October 26, 2023. She was the beloved bride of Joe Starr. They raised their six children in Taylor, MI and have resided at Sunrise of Northville for the last five years. Charlene was preceded in death by their daughter, Jolene for whom she cared for over many years.

She was the loving matriarch of a large family including five other children, Shirley Matuszewski (Ed), Suzanne Starr, Cathy VanKleeck (Kevin), Joe Starr (Mary) and George Starr (Tammy), 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Charlene was raised by Grandma Nichols in southern California with an extended family that included aunts, uncles and cousins and she loved to share stories about her youth. She was happy there surrounded by her loving and caring family. She was proud to have earned a certificate to be a dental assistant and used her knowledge in caring for her family over the years. Joe and Charlene met and married almost 70 years ago. Their romance never changed over those 70 years during which they embraced life’s happiness and sorrows as a team. Charlene was Joe’s bride from the day they were married forward. They cared for all of their children, working together to build a large family.

In caring for Jolene, through her illness, Charlene learned to advocate with doctors, manage the medical system, and run an artificial kidney machine at home. She modeled strength and sense of purpose in this task and made Jolene’s life rich. Throughout her life, Charlene loved to sew. She created dresses and coats and gorgeous Easter outfits for all her children when they were young and then learned her computerized embroidery machine to make exceptional keepsakes for all her grandchildren. She found solace in her sewing room making beautiful things for others.

The last few years have allowed Joe and Charlene to settle into a new routine surrounded by friends. Charlene enjoyed bingo games and coffee with the ladies while listening to their stories and sharing stories about her family. She and Joe ate dinner together every night and spent many afternoons sitting outside, reminiscing about their lives and holding hands. It is in these quiet moments that Charlene was most at peace.

A celebration of life for Charlene will be held at St. Kenneth Catholic Church in Plymouth on Monday October 30. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Catholic Mass will begin at 11 a.m. For the last five years the staff at Sunrise, including Jewel and many others, cared for Charlene, showing her the love and respect she truly deserved. The Starr family is forever grateful to the caregivers from Angela Hospice for the care and support they have provided over the last four months. Those who wish to honor the memory of Charlene are invited to consider a contribution to Angela Hospice. Angela Hospice Home Care, Inc. 14100 Newburgh Rd. Livonia, MI 48154.