Obituary
Charlene Patricia Welch, age, 81, of St. Augustine, FL., born Jan 18, 1939 transitioned peacefully to the Lord’s house on March 27, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Brockton, MA. and raised in Whitman, MA., she was the daughter of W. Leo Welch and Mildred (Connors) Welch. She graduated from Whitman High School and Stonehill College with a BA in English.
She was a dedicated teacher who taught in the Brockton and Whitman public school systems for 43 years before retiring to Cotuit, MA. in 1997. This passion for shaping young minds continued with her great grandson. Her eyes would light up as she helped him learn new life’s lessons during their times with each other.
Charlene was a devoted mother who enjoyed participating in her children’s sports and other activities. She loved playing cards, Words with Friends and Scrabble with her family and friends. She was also known for making her famous Toll House Cookies and Congo bars.
Charlene loved the tranquility of the ocean, especially Cape Cod, and will always consider New England her home. A passionate fan of the Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins, she could always be heard shouting at the T.V. on game days.
She adored her granddaughters and relished the shopping expeditions with them and her daughter. Hunting for bargains, Charlene always took pride in capturing that elusive “BOGO.” Some of these specialty items made family gift giving at Christmas memorable every year.
She is survived by her three children, Michael A. Caprio of Abington, MA., Kathleen M. (Caprio) Peluso of St. John’s, FL. and husband Michael; Robert W. Caprio of Rockland, MA. and wife Mary (Paronich) Caprio ; granddaughters, Kristina M. (Peluso) Hanlon and husband John ; Kimberly L. Peluso; and one great grandson, Braeden T. Hanlon; aunt to several nieces and nephews.
In addition she is survived by three brothers; Willian E. Welch, Donald P. Welch and Lee F. Welch; two sisters Joan C. Lucca, and Elaine Levins.
A memorial celebration followed by interment in St. James Cemetery in Whitman, MA will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children.
Mom you're forever in my heart! Love and miss you so much.
Horse drawn carriage ride - Quincy Market - February 2016
Wine tasting - October 2015
Mom was thrilled to be at the ocean - New Smyrna Beach July 2019
Grammie-
I miss you so much. You were such an amazing and kind woman and it breaks my heart knowing I’ll never see or talk to you again. I’ll miss baking Toll House Cookies with you and reminding you of the one time the Patriots lost to the Jaguars. I’m glad you are no longer in pain. I know you are enjoying your time with your parents now and drinking your Manhattan. I hope we make you proud. Love you always.
To my beautiful Mom…I miss you so dearly.
Your Loving Son,
Michael
Aunt Charlene and I at Rob and Mary’s wedding
Charlie giving me another dozen of her famous Toll House cookies.
Thanks Charlie -- no one has cared for me and my family more than you.
Your ever thankful brother Donnie