Char passed away on the same day she was born, 87 years later. Born in California, as a young girl she moved to St. Johns, Oregon, along with her brothers, Jimmy and John and mother Leona. She attended Lincoln High School, class of ’49 where she met her future husband Victor DeSimini. They married and began raising a family in Portland. Eventually having three children, Dee Ann the oldest, then John and Denise. Always one wanting to stay busy, Char worked full time at Rhodes Dept. Store in downtown Portland. Even after the family moved to the Cedar Mill area.
Char never obtained a license to drive but never complained about the commute to work and back, she loved meeting and chatting with new people. Char was very personable and made friends easily. Being a wonderful homemaker and cook she was also an excellent seamstress, making clothes for her young children and herself and passed this on to both of her daughters. Char loved gardening, both flowers and vegetables and spent much of the spring and summer months (in her free time) tending the garden and preserving fruits and vegetables.
Later, after retirement, she spent more time in her gardens and the fall season at the Oregon Coast, the area that she loved so much. She also took up bicycle riding and went everywhere she needed to go with her two wheels. Char and her husband raised Airedale Terriers known as “Simini” Airedales and showed them around the Pacific Northwest and Canada having one room in their home dedicated to their dog’s trophies and memorabilia. They often had the highest scoring Airedale Terrier in show, in the entire USA. Char loved her family, people, animals, music and nature and would constantly have friends and family over for meals and visits. Sometimes she could be found at the local Missions serving the homeless or reading storybooks to young children at a local school.
Sadly, Char survived the loss of her eldest daughter, Dee and then a few years later survived the loss of her youngest daughter, Denise. Char spent the remaining years of her life being lovingly cared for at Marea’s Agape Adult Fostor Home. She is survived by her son; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Char will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. There will be no memorial service and her ashes will be taken and placed in a place she loved so much.