Charlene A. (McTiernan) Widrick

Mrs. Charlene A. (McTiernan) Widrick, age 60, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 in the privacy of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on September 23, 1948, Charlene was the daughter of the late John R., Sr. and Cosma G. (Palmisano) McTiernan. Raised and educated locally, she attended Roscoe Conkling Elementary School and was a 1966 graduate of T. R. Proctor High School. She enrolled in classes at M.V.C.C. where she received her Associates degree, and pursued her collegiate studies at Utica College where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She subsequently was awarded her Masters degree in Education from SUNY. On February 13, 1993 she married Donald E. Widrick; they were blessed with a perfectly matched relationship filled with love and respect. Charlene began her teaching career in 1975 when she was assigned to St. Mary’s Catholic School in Frankfort as an English teacher. In 1980 she taught at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel School, and in 1986 she took a position at Notre Dame Junior High North. In 1994 she began her tenure at Notre Dame High School where she worked throughout her illness until June 2009. For many years, she was an instructor of religious education at her former parish, St. Agnes Church, until its closure. She was devoted to the mission of Catholic education for the children she taught, developing their minds and deepening an understanding of their faith. Charlene was a loving individual who enjoyed spending time with people. Her door was always open to her family and friends, and her co-workers were thought of as part of her family. She embraced people in the light of God’s teaching, forgiving their frailties and celebrating their goodness. She enjoyed her summer home at Sylvan Beach and was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Charlene is survived by her husband, Donald; her sister and brother-in-law, Grace and Charles Isgro of Rotterdam, NY; and her brother and sister-in-law, John R., Jr. and Carolyn McTiernan of Liverpool. Survivors also include her nieces and nephews, John R. “Jack” McTiernan III, Renee (Isgro) and Mark Kelly, Brian R. and Alicia McTiernan, Beth and Matthew Robbins; her great nieces and great nephews, Michael Kelly, Marisa Kelly, Ava McTiernan, and Tyler Robbins; her mother-in-law, Marilyn Widrick of Utica; and her cousins. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Charlene’s family and friends, especially her Notre Dame family, for all the support, comfort, and care offered to her throughout the years. Visitation will be held Friday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be considered to the Notre Dame Scholarship Fund; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Charlene's funeral service will commence on Saturday morning at 9:30 from the funeral home and at 10:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Charlene A. (McTiernan) Widrick

September 23, 1948 - July 28, 2009