Mary Charlene France

Mary C. (DeGroff) France of Mechanicsville VA, formerly of Billerica MA, passed away peacefully on Thursday October 22, 2020 at the age of 83. Mary, or as she was known by her middle name Charlene, was predeceased by her father John DeGroff, her mother Beatrice M. Stevens and stepfather Glenn R. Stevens, all of Minetto NY. Charlene is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Harold J. France. She is survived by her three daughters, Mary France of Mechanicsville VA, Brenda Gildea and her husband Michael Gildea of Reading MA, Cathy Perkins and her former husband Russell Perkins of Summerton, SC. Charlene was a proud Gramma, survived by her six grandsons, Jason Perkins of Mechanicsville VA, Brian Perkins of Chesterfield VA, Matthew Perkins of Mechanicsville VA, Connor Gildea and his wife Juliana of Westford MA, Patrick Gildea of Worcester MA, and Sean Gildea of Boston, MA. Charlene had one loving greatgrandchild, Addisyn Perkins. Charlene is survived by her three sisters, Dorothy Marcus of Virginia Beach VA, Betty Kush of Fulton NY, and Joyce Cooper of Oswego NY. She also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews. Charlene was an accomplished cook and decorator, and she enjoyed her home immensely. Nothing brought her more joy than entertaining family in her home. She loved country music. Charlene and Harold enjoyed spending many summers with their children, grandchildren, and friends at York Beach Maine. She loved looking at the ocean. Charlene cherished her furry canine companion Baby, who always found a way to sit by her side. Before retiring to Mechanicsville VA, Charlene and Harold lived in Billerica for 36 years. Prior to retirement, Charlene worked for many years with her friends at Nixdorf Computer and Kaye Electronics as a manufacturing assembly inspector. In Mechanicsville, Charlene enjoyed going on mystery ride day trips with Harold to explore Williamsburg, Charlottesville, and the surrounding areas for shopping and dining. Charlene genuinely loved living her retirement years in Virginia. Due to COVID, there will be a celebration of life in the spring of 2021.