Charlene Rushe Eckstrom

Char was born on August 28, 1945 in Orlando, Florida. She spent most of her childhood in Whitaker, Pennsylvania. She attended West Mifflin North High School and Edinboro University. After college, she became an elementary teacher. She married her late husband, John Steven Eckstrom, on July 19, 1986.

Char retired from Cassadaga Valley Central School after 34 years of teaching. She loved her students and always spoke very fondly of her teaching experience.

After retirement, Char and Steve moved to Port Charlotte, FL, but loved traveling to Viking Ingjald Lodge 65 on Chautauqua Lake in New York each summer. Such wonderful memories were made at The Vikings, especially when her nephews and nieces visited from out of state.

Char was an active member of the Red Hat Society of Sarasota, The Myakka West Homemakers Club, The Gulf Cove Women’s Club and the Lunch Bunch. She also volunteered at the Viking Club. In college, Char was a member of the Synchronized Swim Team. She continued her love of swimming with water aerobics at the Y.

Char enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews and their children.

She is survived by her brother, Bob Rushe (Pat), her nephews, Steve Rushe, Brian Rushe (Rita), Ryan Rushe (Nikki), Nate Barron (Jenny) and Steve Alden, and her nieces Karyn Kinzie (Andy) and Maura De Raedt (Daan) and their children.

A memorial will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either of the following organizations: Viking Ingjald Lodge 65 for the Children’s Playground, 24 North Main Street, Jamestown NY 14701 or Suncoast Humane Society, 6781 San Casa Drive, Englewood, FL 34224.