Charlene Jayme McDonald Brown

Charlene Jayme (McDonald) Brown, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on June 12, 2024 in Salem, Oregon. Charlene was 85 and she will live on through her daughters Cherie and Michelle (Bart), her grandchildren Bart (Sarah) and Chris (Joseph), her two great-grandchildren, and her brother Dale (Pauline). She was preceded in death by husband Truman, and her parents, Charles and Alice McDonald. 

Charlene was born in Ontario, Canada and in 1961 became a nurse. She then moved to Texas where she met and married Truman Brown. After he retired from the United States Air Force they moved to Boise, Idaho to raise their family. Charlene was passionate about helping children and spent the majority of her career as a registered nurse working on the pediatric floor of Mercy Medical Center in Nampa, Idaho. Where she made many wonderful friends who stayed connected for most of her life.

For over thirty years, Char and her husband bowled weekly, where they met wonderful people and made many cherished memories. She loved to knit making many wonderful things for her family and friends. In her free time she also enjoyed playing bingo, watching British mystery tv series, and you could always find her curled up with a good book. 

In 2022 she moved to Salem, Oregon to be closer to her great grandchildren after moving into assisted living the year prior. There she still remained young at heart, and delighted in watching animated movies and treasured her stuffed animatronic animals.  Even though the last few years of Charlene’s life was very difficult due to a stroke, she always had a positive attitude and a beaming smile. 

Charlene will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. A memorial service will be held in the fall, and she will be interred with Truman in the Idaho Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements are by Summers Funeral Home, Meridian, Idaho. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Kitron Residential Care LLC, 5370 Anaconda Drive South, Salem, Oregon, 97302, Email: [email protected]