Obituary of Charlene Lea Pitcher

Charlene had had a hard life fighting various illnesses but always came out strong. Her journey began with the diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis then Lupus. She also made it through several strokes and three open-heart surgeries. Still her love for life was stronger. In the spring of 1991, she started attending college at South Puget Sound Community College. She graduated in the spring of 1997 with an Associate Degree in Technical Arts and Office Administration. While she attended she also was awarded three certificates; the first for Word Processing Specialist, the second was for Office Assistant, and the third was for Clerk/Receptionist. She loved going to school and bettering herself. She went on to work for a few different companies doing what she loved but each time had to quit for health reasons. Her last employer, Bratrud Middleton, seemed to be her favorite. She was heartbroken when she had to quit working there. In the short time she did work there however, she felt very needed. In 2001 she found her faith in God, once again, attending the Grace Community Covenant Church. She then became more compassionate about family and others around her, mostly those less fortunate. In doing so she devoted more time to her grandchildren and started volunteering at a homeless shelter serving food. For this she needed her food handler’s card, which she proudly received the day before she went into the hospital for the final time. Charlene is survived by her mother, Wilma French; her brother, Gary Pitcher; her sister, Paula Malloy-Hayward; two half brothers, Brian Pitcher and Paul Pitcher, Jr.; her son, Donovan Pitcher; three grandchildren, Brittanie, Jorden, and Austen Pitcher; also by many loving friends, including members of her church. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and she always had a way about her that influenced others to push harder to get more from life. Charlene, you will be truly and deeply missed by all, however in the end we know that you are in a better place. Donations for the memorial service and cards can be sent to Donovan Pitcher, at 6017 60th Loop SE, Lacey, Washington 98513.