Born Ada Charlene Poole in Fremont, OH on February 8, 1932, and peacefully passed away at home in Roseville, CA on February 10, 2010, at the age of 78.
Charlene is survived by her daughter Diana Poole Ryan, son-in-law, R John Ryan, son, Philip Bradley Poole, granddaughter, Lindsey Ann Poole and grand-wonder-dog, Rider. Her husband, William Browne Poole, (Major, Retired, US Army), preceded her in death in January, 1983. Charlene also leaves many family and friends who will forever remember her outgoing, friendly personality, her love of and devotion to animals and her carefree, spirited joy of life. Prior to joining the Women’s Army Corp, Charlene graduated from Central State/Wilberforce University, the oldest, private African-American university in the U.S. Charlene served in the United States Army from 1953-1956, where she met her future husband, Bill, and they married on September 3, 1955 at Fort Ord, CA. After living in various U.S. and European cities, Charlene and Bill and their family settled in Morgan Hill in 1968. In 1969, Charlene began working at the San Jose Police Department, a job she thoroughly enjoyed and was proud to serve. She retired in 1987, and being the lively, can’t-sit-still person she was, began working part-time at Morgan Hill after-school programs for children.
During her years in Morgan Hill, Charlene was active with St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, NAACP, Porsche Club of America, Friends of San Martin Animal Shelter (FOSMAS), Central State Alumni and she greatly enjoyed her time serving as a Booster of The Emerald Regime Band & Color Guard from 1973-1982.
You are welcome to join Charlene’s Life Celebration on Friday, March 5, 2010, at St. John the Divine Church, 17740 Peak Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 at 4:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates your donation to Friends of San Martin Animal Shelter (FOSMAS), Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center of Morgan Hill, (W.E.R.C.), Best Friends Animal Shelter, Kanab, UT, or St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, Morgan Hill.
