March 5th, 1973 - May 19th, 2024
Jen Charlton, 51, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 19th, 2024, in Elora Ontario. Her loss was unexpected, and her family is profoundly saddened.
Jen was born Jenette Marlene Collins on March 5th, 1973, to Derek Collins and Marlene Stephenson in Owen Sound Ontario. She spent her early years in Port Elgin Ontario before moving to Guelph Ontario. Early in grade school her intelligence and exceptional reading ability was recognized by her teachers, and she was moved into a combined grade 3, 4 class. Doing both grade 3 and 4 in one year meant she was a year younger than most of her classmates moving forward which created a feeling of anxiety. This anxiety was exasperated in grade seven when alphabetically she was forced to sit in front of a rambunctious boy who would ruthlessly tease and poke and bother her. A few years later she fell in love with that socially awkward boy. Jen married the love of her life, Marc Charlton May 29th, 1993. They shared over thirty wonderful years together and raised two beautiful sons. She was a loving and caring mother and was always there for both Cameron and Dalen through ups and downs no matter what. She was more than just a great mom; she was a friend, a teacher, a cheerleader, and hero to both.
Animals and pets were a great passion of Jen. She loved cats and dogs, not so much birds. She really did not like birds. Her passion for animals led her to pursue studies at Sheridan College where she earned a certificate in Animal Care. Jen was a deeply caring person. She worked for a while as a veterinarian assistant but decided she could not continue in that field after having to help put down unwanted pets. This deeply hurt her. Jen was a kind, compassionate, beautiful person and extremely easy to bruise or scar. She battled with depression and mental health concerns through most of her life. Her compassion and experience led her to pursue a career helping others. While raising her two sons, she went back to school and earned a diploma from Sheridan College as a Social Service Worker. After receiving her diploma, she dedicated over 17 years helping others with organizations like the Community Resource Centre, Trillium, CMHA and Dalton Associates.
Family and friendships were important to Jen. She valued those that were supportive, trustworthy, steadfast, loyal, and comforting. Jen’s brothers Jonny, Dave and Steve and their relationship were so important to her. She fought hard to keep them connected and loved each one and their families dearly. Jen couldn’t contain the happiness of being a grandmother to baby Jayce and she delighted in every moment with him. The twinkle in her eye and the look on her face when she would see videos or pictures of her grandson could light up a room. One of Jen’s biggest dreams that hadn’t come true yet was to see Cameron get married and officially welcome Chelsea to the family. She remained in contact with her longest friend Tracy from her time in Port Elgin, often talking about how and making plans to stay connected. She deeply valued her best friend Deanna’s friendship, enjoying the years, bike rides and time together. She cared deeply for for her cousin, Jessica, who she regarded as a little sister; Jen always defended and supported her, even being present at the birth of her first child, Joshua. She found her knitting and book buddy Mariane honest, loyal and trust-worthy and valued their time together greatly.
To those who took the time to get to know Jen, she will be remembered as an intelligent, kind, caring person. She truly loved each of you and will be missed dearly.
Family Who Went Before:
Jen is preceded by her father, Derek, her father-in-law, Rick and by her beloved uncles, Ken & David.
Family She Left Behind:
Jen is survived by her loving husband, Marc; their two children, Cameron (Chelsea) and Dalen; and her cherished grandson, Jayce. She is also survived by her mother, Marlene (Joe), and Jen's three younger brothers: Jon, Dave (Krista) & Steven (Stephanie); her mother-in-law, Gerda; her brother-in-law, Scott (Nella); her "sister-cousin", Jess; and her best friend of over 40 years, Deanna. Jen leaves behind many beloved friends, aunts, uncles, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews who will deeply miss their Auntie Jen.
Celebration of life will be held at Grand River Community Church in Elora on Saturday, June 8th between 1:30PM & 5:00PM
Donation can be made in lieu of flowers to Addictions and Mental Health Ontario.
Arrangements entrusted to Graham A Giddy Funeral Home