Obituary of Charlene Melissa Perry
Charlene Melissa Perry - wife, mother, daughter, and sister - was fatefully taken from us due to injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident on Saturday, October 9th, at the young age of 41. Born in 1980 to Beverly Wilson in Winchester, Massachusetts, Charlene was the oldest of five children. Charlene came to the area when she was 19 and met Sean while working as a waitress at Perry’s Landing in Luna Pier. Charlene and Sean later married on July 7th, 2003.
Anyone fortunate enough to have known Charlene, is aware that even though she may be absent from our presence today, her work here has only just begun. Charlene extolled a fierce amount of passion and devotion towards her seven children. Her unwavering dedication to their day to day needs and beyond, was peerless. Outside of the home, Charlene was her kids’ biggest fan - cheering on every cross country and track meet; every soccer, football, and basketball game; and every swimming race, band performance, and cheer clinic. Her love for children didn’t end with her own. Charlene directed the Latchkey program at Erie Mason Schools, served as President of the PTA, and Vice President of the swim boosters. Her allegiance to the school values exemplified and promoted an active staff, parent involvement, and encouraged the best scholastic practices in a nurturing environment. Charlene also volunteered for After Prom, Field Day, Purse Bingo, and cheered on her kids’ participation in the Erie Milers Club and the annual Color Run. When Charlene was able to find some free time, she enjoyed camping and the outdoors. She reveled in a good book or crime documentary and loved to play board and card games. She also enjoyed decorating her home and was very fashionable. Charlene enjoyed spending the occasional night out with her husband Sean in the company of friends and family, sharing sarcastic quips and burning up the dance floor whenever possible.
Charlene was preceded in death by her father, Steven C. Wilson; grandparents Eric and Dolly Hann; grandfather, Charles R. Wilson; and Uncle Sid Hann.
Charlene is survived by her husband, Sean Perry; her seven children Caden (19), Cael (17), Brenden (15), Brody (13), AJ (11), Abram (8), and Emmersyn (5); mother Beverly Wilson; sisters Danielle Wilson, Christina (William) Dodd; brothers Joshua Wilson, Shane Wilson (Amanda), Matthew Wilson; Aunt Diane (Stephen) Ward, Aunt Erica (Michael) Gray, and Aunt Darlene Hann; grandmother Jeanette Wilson; her father and mother-in-law, Dennis and Melanie Perry; three sisters-in-law, Danielle (Jeremy) Cousino, Brooke (Austin) Lada, and Joelle (Blaize) Casley; one brother-in-law Loren (Amy) Perry; and 11 nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles, her lifelong friend, Cathy Hertler; and her close friends Jenni Sachs and Jenn Larrow.
Friends may gather on Friday, October 15th from 2:00 -7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Erie, 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734)317-7199. A private funeral service will be held the morning of Saturday, October 16th, followed by a community luncheon and celebration of Charlene at 1:00pm at Erie V.F.W. 3925, located at 1944 East Erie Road in Erie, Michigan.
Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration or share a share a photo by www.merklefs.com. Donations can be made to the family for funeral services and beyond at https://gofund.me/226e8690 .
