ALCOVE – On Thursday, August 19, 2010, Charlene, 60, was granted her wings and welcomed through the gates of heaven after a very brave and courageous battle with ovarian cancer.  She was surrounded by her loving family.

     Charlene was born in Lynnwood, CA on February 10, 1950.  She grew up in Ravena, NY and attended Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central.  Upon graduation, Charlene married her high school sweetheart, Bob, and moved to Aberdeen, MD where her husband was stationed in the U.S. Army for two years before permanently residing in Alcove, NY.  As a young woman, Charlene spent the majority of her time caring for and raising her three children.  She also enjoyed working in the community as an employee for the Ravena Stewart’s in the 1970’s and later at Houghtaling’s Market in Feura Bush.  Her fondest employment however, was working alongside her son as the office manager at his business, Mueller’s Automotive.

     Spending time with dear friends and family was an important part of Charlene’s life.  However, Charlene’s greatest love in life was teaching, guiding and caring for her children, who love her dearly and will always strive to live by her example.  When her children had families of their own, Charlene delighted in spending time with her grandchildren, creating wonderful memories that will last forever.

     Continuing the legacy of her dearest mother, Charlene sought joy in helping others every day of her life.  An angelic spirit that touched the hearts of many, she demonstrated great compassion for others through her kind words, gentle smile and quiet grace.  While fighting her own battle with ovarian cancer, she also served as a source of strength and inspiration for her newfound friends also battling the disease.

     Charlene is predeceased by her parents, Charles and Beatrice (Norton) Fisher.  Charlene is survived by her husband of 42 years, Robert Muller of Alcove;  her children, Kenneth and wife BillieJo Mueller of Alcove, Maureen and husband Darryl Houghtaling of Alcove and Claudine Hagen of Alcove;  her grandchildren, Amanda Mueller, Kenneth Mueller, Daniel Houghtaling and Jessica Houghtaling;  her brothers, Neal and wife Diane Fisher of Schenectady and Paul and wife Robyn Fisher of Coxsackie;  her sister, Arlene Fisher of Albany;  sister like cousin, Linda and husband John Prosser of Florida;  friends, Christopher Hagen and Christopher Nyers;  and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     An intimate memorial service for family and close friends will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Jerusalem Reformed Church on Route 32 in Feura Bush, NY.  A calling hour will be held on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

     In remembrance of Charlene, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Albany Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC of Albany), the VanRensselaer House;  Caring Together, Inc. of Albany, NY (ovarian cancer awareness and support);  or St. Peter’s Community Hospice of Albany, NY.

     Charlene’s family would like to express gratitude to both the Women’s Cancer Care Associates (WCCA) of Albany, NY and St. Peter’s Community Hospice for their compassion and supportive care, Pastor Aaron Schulte of the Jerusalem Reformed Church for strengthening her spiritual path and her dear friend and general practitioner, Dr. Geri Aitken of Slingerlands, NY for her love and support through the years.