Charlene Connolly

May 8, 1947 - January 1, 2022
Charlene Connolly

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On New Year’s Day 2022, heaven welcomed one of the most intelligent, generous, warm, and loving mothers, grandma, sister, and wife the world could have ever hoped for.

As a wife she was honest and loving with a smile and heart as big as they come. We loved and respected each other. As a mother, Charlene was a guiding light and such a positive driving force in the lives of her two sons. As a stepmother to her husband’s children, she would spend many an hour talking to and about the Young kids… they loved her so. As a grandmother, she was so loving and generous, always singing a song to warm the heart of her many grandkids. As a sister, she was kind, compassionate, loving, and a confidante – we played together as children, we cruised together with families, and grew older together. She was always part of my life. Our roots say we’re brother and sister, our hearts say we’re friends. There is an ache in our hearts that will never go away; we love her and miss her.

Wherever Charlene was, people took notice and enjoyed her company. Her positive and uplifting demeanor was contagious. She loved to travel and to have fun. She was a born leader who was caring, compassionate, and patient towards all and able to guide while educating.

From her earliest days in nursing school to her later years as an executive developing nursing programs around the globe, Dr. Charlene Connolly has left an indelible mark on the lives of so many. In her career, which spanned decades in healthcare and healthcare education, she was the recipient of many professional accolades and had many accomplishments.

She will be sorely missed each and every day, but her legacy will live on in the lives of her family. She is survived by her husband of 13 years Kevin Young, brother George Belev (Joanne);sons Adam and Jonathan Connolly, Kevin’s children, and many grandkids.

Charlene’s Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on Saturday January 22, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in The Village Road Chapel at 525 Village Road, Leland, NC 28451
Phone (910) 383-3511
Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “condolence” tab.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation Village Road Chapel 525 Village Road Leland, NC 28424 910-383-3511.

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  • January 22, 2022
    Steve South says:
    Kevin: I am sorry to hear of your wife's passing. While I never met Charlene, your willingness to help in the neighborhood reflects the love and kindness that she had on your life. While you grieve now, please try and focus on the joy and happiness that your wife shared with family and friends.

  • January 21, 2022
    Maureen White says:
    Very wonderful person so kind.

  • January 20, 2022
    Diana Concannon says:
    I had the privilege of working with Charlene but briefly in 2021. Her warmth, professionalism, and clear dedication to all those for whom she cared rippled through every Zoom meeting. My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues she leaves in her amazing wake.

  • January 13, 2022
    Barbara & Paul Ziemba says:
    Kevin, So sorry to hear of Charlene's passing.My peace surround you and your family during this time in your life.

  • January 11, 2022
    Ann Coss says:
    An Outpouring of Love Charlene was a part of our lives as both a friend, confidant, and partner in business. Charlene had a passion for both life and nursing. I remember her interview with Joyce Bachteller, Nursing Radio Show host, where she asked Charlene “When and how she knew she wanted to be a nurse” Charlene shared this story: I continue to fondly recall my most favorite Golden Book growing up “Nancy Nurse” –in addition to Nancy being the “heroine in the story,” the book came with 5 Band-Aids in three shapes attached to the inside cover: patches, strips and spots -. So, from about the age of 5 years old, I thought about being a nurse. As I reached high school, I knew the combination of helping others and science was perfect for me. And that is where the legacy began. We miss her so very much! When we told our clients of her passing, and there was an outpouring of love. We wanted to share with the family comments shared by the lives she touched! Ann Coss & Debra Kotila Sister Andrea Lee, Alverno I am so sad to hear this news - such a devastating loss. May Charlene’s spirit and great energy continue to inspire all of us who care so deeply about “Alverno in Arizona.” She was and will continue to be in new ways, a powerful force. Blessings to all Charlene’s colleagues and family. Alverno will always be in her debt. Norm Allgood, Synergis Education She will be missed, but her legacy will live on in every nurse that has the ability to earn their nursing degree from Alverno College in Arizona. Joseph Foy, Alverno I am so very sorry to learn of Charlene’s passing. Her strong efforts and expertise helped to chart a new pathway of opportunity for Alverno, and her gentle good humor and kindness have left an indelible mark on the hearts of all with whom she worked. She will indeed be missed. Sarah Ferguson, Texas Luther University I also express my sadness about Charlene's passing. She has been critical in moving the DEMSN and Houston project forward. She was wonderful to work with and we will miss her wisdom and guidance. Mary Van Brunt, Gwynedd Mercy University I am so sorry to hear that news. She was definitely a huge help to Ann for the DEMSN. Please relay our condolences to her family. Laurie Wittbrodt, Synergis Education I was sadden to hear about the news of Charlene this week. I know both Julie and Chris thought highly of her and the work she did for Lourdes. Debbie Cottrell, Texas Luther University I’m grateful for her help and commitment to our Nursing efforts. Amie Bedgood, Texas Luther University Charlene was an amazing, smart, and thoughtful woman. She will be greatly missed. Jason Ferguson, Synergis Education My heartfelt condolences. She will be missed. She is now at rest and peace with God in Heaven. Margaret (Peg) Rauschenberger, Alverno Charlene was a wonderful woman. Knowledgeable, competent, and kind, with a sense of humor thrown in. She will definitely be missed. Lauire A. Kunkel-Jordon, Alverno We were blessed to have had her on our team and appreciate everything she did to move Alverno-Mesa forward. Wishing her family and friends peace in the difficult days ahead. David Fattu, Synergis Education I was fortunate to work with her a bit and she is an amazing professional educator.