Charlene Albright, 79

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Charlene (Char) Esther Albright, 79, of Muscatine, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 16, at her home.

Her family held a visitation and funeral friends for a visitation on Monday, Aug. 22, from at the Ralph J. Wittich Riley-Freers Funeral home in Muscatine. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to her family, payable to Michael Albright. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com

Charlene was born on January 10, 1943, in Iowa City. She was the daughter of Floyd J. Harned and Anna Ogren.

She was the youngest of four sisters: Phyllis Kesler of West Liberty, Carol (Mrs. Dale) Miller of Longwood, Florida, and Barbara (Dr. Gary) Bailey of Kennewick, Washington. She was blessed with two children, Michael Albright and Tricia Strasser, both of Muscatine, along with nine grandchildren.

One of Charlene’s greatest joys was receiving her son Michael Justin Albright and daughter Latricia (Tricia) Strasser. She was also the mother to several foster children that she welcomed into her home. In her 75th year of life, she was reunited with her biological daughter Kathy Yff, who now lives in Canada.

By her side in her final years were all three of her beloved children, Michael, Tricia, and Kathy, along with her partner Mike Hopkins.

Char had a love of children from a very early age, so was happy to have five grandsons, four granddaughters, two great-grandsons and three great-granddaughters to spend those special holiday times and moments with.

She was married to Ron E. Albright and was partner to “Buddy” – Lawrence W. Kennedy until his passing and has spent the last seven years with Mike Hopkins, who shared with her a love of travel and adventure. They worked hard together, creating a beautiful homestead, and having a vegetable stand every summer, as well as canning.

She leaves behind many colleagues and friends over the past 40 years through her work at the 1st National Bank. She retired twice, after the first time she returned to have her ideal of working part time, filling in for vacations, sick days, etc. and having winter off to travel; this was her ideal.

She worked up until her diagnosis of ALS, as she loved the patrons and co-workers and could always get a stash of one-dollar bills for “Where’s George?” Yes, she is the top Iowa “Where’s George?”. She started “Where’s George?” on Nov. 25, 1999, and since that time she has entered 392,862+ bills in 50 states plus Washington D.C., with 223 international hits in 79 countries. Every night she would faithfully enter in her “Georges” before heading to bed.

She loved visiting her Aunt Wilma of 100 years and Uncle Carl of 101 years, as well as serving her Avon customers and enjoying family events that included all her grandchildren which she loved so much. She also loved her animals; her birds and cats which she ensured were well fed.

She maintained her positive spirit, activity, and willfulness to love life throughout her illness with ALS; may rest she in peace and look down on us with her blessings. When we see a red cardinal, we will know you are with us. God Bless.

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