Carmen F. (Richard) Charette

Carmen F. (Richard) Charette of Manchester passed away peacefully October 17, 2020. There is one less shining star with her passing. She was born February 16, 1929 in Joliette Canada, daughter of the late Frank and Juliette Faford Richard. She is now reunited with the love of her life, Harry Charette, whom she was married to for 54 years.

She had been a resident of Manchester since 1955. She was a long time member of the Parish of Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Carmen was involved in many musical activities including playing the piano and organ in a band. She studied under Michael E. Foley, a wonderful life long friend, teacher and mentor. Her big moment in fame was when she played the organ at Radio City Music Hall during a horrific snow storm which stranded her and her children overnight on a bus in NYC. The concert was sponsored by the American Theater Organ Society which she was a member of. Carmen worked 20 years at South Windsor High School business department. She volunteered her time for many years at the Penny Saver of Manchester. 

She loved sharing stories of the fun times at the family cottage at Lake Chaffee- wonderful memories. She loved old movies and never turned down a good debate over politics and so many others also share in those wonderful memories. She was fortunate to have large family reunions at her brother’s farm in Pennsylvania and his home in Key West, Florida. Carmen loved to host a good party. Many can tell you of her famous Christmas Eve parties. Her home was filled with love, music, laughter that will stay in our hearts forever. Also from one of these parties came the union of Larry and Susie DuPont. Dedicated life long friends that she cherished and also earned bragging rights on how she joined them together. Next time you are out for a drive and see a Woody PT Cruiser, take a good look because it may be Carmen behind the wheel doing her favorite thing driving. She’s going wherever she wants to and more importantly when she wants to go. 

She is survived by her son Stephen Charette and his wife Lisa. Two granddaughters Erin and Michelle Cooney. She also has two sisters Annette Daviau and Norma Nau all of whom she loved dearly including several nieces and nephews all whom were held close to her heart. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter Catherine Cooney, her brother Gilles Richard and her sister Lucille Spafford.

Her funeral will be private due to the Corona Virus.

The Charette family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the Franciscan Hospice for their wonderful care of Carmen’s final days. Our thanks also go to Southington Health Care and Mulberry Garden staff for their stellar care. Donations may be made to Parish of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 80 Main St., Manchester, CT 06040 or Franciscan Hospice Care, 267 Finch Ave., Meriden, CT 06451. Holmes-Watkins funeral home is in care of arrangements. To leave a memory or message of condolence for the family please visit www.holmeswatkins.com .

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