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Obituary of Charlene Marie Louise Needham
April 5, 1952 - October 10, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charlene Marie Louise Needham (nee DeGagné) of Cochrane Lake, AB, at the age of 72 years.
Charlene is survived by her husband Ken Needham, son Andrew Needham and furry friends, Zoey and Buddy. She was predeceased by her parents, Joe and Roma DeGagné, her 9-year-old sister Danielle, her infant sister Georgette, and nine loving dogs. Charlene is also survived by three sisters from Winnipeg, Rachel DeGagné (Ken Sturk), Diane Legassé (Art) and Suzie Muller (Joe), her three brothers from Calgary, Charlie DeGagné (Brenda), Joe DeGagné (Marie) and Phil DeGagné (Leanne). Charlene was very special to her brothers and sisters-in-law, Don Needham (Marla), Ron Needham (Debbie) and Doug Needham (Jean). Charlene also had a special bond with Ken’s aunt Cathy and uncle Craig Pittman, and Charlene’s 25 nieces and nephews. A big but close family. Also, a big part of Charlene’s life were many great friends, most of whom she got to say goodbye to. Thanks so much for all the love.
Charlene was a truly amazing person that boldly endured more than 40 years of severe health issues, mostly related to Crohn’s Disease and Colitis. She had sixteen major operations and hundreds of infusions. It was a battle.
Charlene was brought up in Winnipeg, MB, and moved to Calgary, AB, in 1986. She married Ken in 1989, and shortly after moved to Benchlands. After a couple of cougar attacks on the dogs, they moved to Cochrane Lake and have been there for 26 years. They were both beautiful homes surrounded by wildlife. Andrew, Ken’s son, came along shortly after and moved in with them when he was nine. Charlene absolutely loved Andrew. She was like a momma bear, protecting her cub.
Charlene was a very kind and honest person who treated everyone with respect and accepted all. She had a smile that could light up a room. Charlene was fortunate to have travelled to many places, but her favorite place was at home with Ken and Andrew, cuddling up with her dogs. She was admired by many people and loved by even more. We’re all going to miss her.
Thank you to all the Doctors and Health Care professionals that have helped Charlene throughout the years. What a journey.
She is the kind of woman, that when her feet hit the floor in the morning... the devil would say, "Oh crap... she's awake.”
A Celebration of Charlene’s Life will be held at Cochrane Alliance Church (902 Glenbow Drive, Cochrane, AB), on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Stay around after the service to meet the family and break some bread.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Charlene’s family here.
In living memory of Charlene Needham, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.
