Obituary of Marjorie R. Charest

Born May 1930 Marjorie (Marge to her friends) R. Charest died at home on March 12, 2023. Born to Italian immigrants, Antoinette Pondizio and Rocco Rosato, in Rumford, Maine. Marge was the last of six....one brother and four sisters. Dayne Hale, Anthony Rosato, Edith Liberty, Mildred Bernard and Louise Richard. Marge was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond R. Charest. She and Ray bore 3 children: Christiine A. Kirkham (Asheville, NC.), Glenn S. Charest (Deltona, FL) and Sandra L. McKillop (Blairsville, GA) and she is survived by 2 grandchildren Brian (Christy) and Justin McKillop (Amanda) and 8 great-grandchildren.  

In 1955 Ray and Marge made a very bold and courageous move when they packed up all their belongings and relocated to Lakeland, Florida leaving all their family and friends behind in Rumford. A year later Ray was offered a job as the Manager of the Winter Haven Elks Lodge, and they relocated to Winter Haven where their 3 children graduated from Winter Haven High School.  

Marge was very active in the life of St. Joseph Catholic Church being involved in such activities as the parish fundraising festivals, making sure she made food for the Sisters of St. Joseph who taught in the school, faith renewal programs, Cursillo and very much in charge of the interior environment of the church making sure that creative and beautiful floral and other decorations were in place with her team member in order for the parish members to enjoy celebrating the seasonal sacred liturgies. She was very much appreciated by the members and the clergy.  

While Ray was busy managing the growth of the Elks Club Marge participated in setting up many of the club’s social events. Along came 1966 when Marge’s “artistic” self-led her to pursue a career in Cosmetology, a career she loved, very successful and proud that her customers left feeling beautiful...and which occupied her for 40 years. During many of those years she also joined and participated in the local Orchid society. Additionally, she spent a considerable qualitative time ministering to the sick by visiting them and bringing to them the Eucharist, a ministry she continued in the local hospitals when, six years ago, she relocated to Debary, FL in order to live closer to her children but especially close to her most beloved “Rocco” a, Goldendoodle owned by her son. While in this area she joined Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church and became very helpful to those in need of food through the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. Additionally, she prepared breakfast for the patients who were spending time at the Halifax Hospice in Orange City.  

Becoming somewhat frail, she herself came into the care of Halifax Home Hospice for which her children are forever grateful. When her body so weakened, she had the comfort of her two daughters spending an extraordinary quantity and quality of time caring for her and when her body could no longer sustain life, she peacefully died in her sleep in the company of her youngest daughter.... Sandra. Her earthly life has transitioned her spirit to fully encountering the Holy Spirit of her Risen Christ. Requiescat in peace, Mom.  

Memorial Celebration: March 28, 2023, …... 10am 

Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church....1310 Maximilan St. Deltona, 32725 

Reception to follow  

In lieu of flowers Marge expressed hope that folks might be generous with St. Vincent de Paul/Deltona/ Pantry and or Halifax Home Hospice.