Charleen Jeanette Granlund

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of an incredible woman, registered nurse, and extraordinary mother.  Charleen joined her husband, Lee, in heaven on 12/24/2020, after a brave battle with type 2 diabetes, chronic health issues, and Covid-19. 

Charleen Jeanette Preston was born in Tacoma, WA, and grew up in both Washington and Southern California.  She was the only daughter of Thomas Preston and Mildred Messimore.  It was at her father's ranch, on the border of Mexico, where she acquired her love for horses, folk guitar, and country living.  She spent her teen years with her mother and grandmother, Charlotte Maginnas, in Tacoma, where she developed a fondness for fast cars and rock and roll music.  Char would often reminisce about the day that Elvis Presley played her high school (Lincoln H.S).  She met her loving husband, Leroy Clarence Granlund, while he was serving in the army and stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington.  They married on March 2nd, 1958.   After a brief stay in Chicago, she accompanied Lee and beginnings of a new family to Northern California to pursue new opportunities.  With her life shaped by the split of her parents and shuffling between homes, Char swore she would give her children a stable, loving, home that would serve as a solid foundation for their lives. With her loving husband by her side, she kept that promise to both her natural children and those she lovingly adopted over several decades.  But her work didn't stop there, she also provided foster care to many children late in life.  Charleen was, truly, a mother of the world... 

Charleen is survived by her 6 sons, Kevin, Brian, Steve, Ray, Mike and David, and her 6 daughters, Lisa, Brenda, Michelle, Kathy, Laura, and Jessica.  She was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey, and her daughter, Susan.  Char also enjoyed the love and light of her many, many grandchildren.  She will be dearly missed.  God bless and keep her. 

A private service will be held on December 30th, 11:00 AM, at her final resting place. 

Newcastle Cemetery 

850 Taylor Road, 

Newcastle, CA 95658 

The family is planning to hold a memorial and celebration of her life at a future date. 

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