Charlene A. Gaffney

Charlene was born on April 1, 1939, in Frankfort, New York. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary Jennott, the love of her life, William (Bill) Herald Gaffney her sister, Phyliss Kress; and her brother-in-law, Karl Kress.

Charlene will be remembered fondly by her family and all those whose lives she touched. She is now at peace in the loving presence of her Lord and Savior.

Immediately after high school Charlene left for New York City on her own to study dance under the best of the best. Upon her return she married her childhood sweetheart William (Bill) Herald Gaffney and they raised two children, Michael and Kellie Gaffney. The family moved to Carrollton, Texas where she opened her own dance studio and trained hundreds of boys and girls. Later she traveled with Dance Educators of America (DEA) and Starpower National dance competition where she was a Judge and nicknamed “The Floor Lady” because she kept everyone in line.

Her lifelong dream was to be a New York City Rockett, but she was too short. In 1999 she wrote the Richard Simmons show “The Dream Maker” of her lifelong dream and she was chosen to be on the show. She and Bill flew to California where she was honored by two New York City Rocketts as an “Honorary Member”.

In her later years she was an Office Manager until her retirement. Charlene was very active in ACTS and she helped Minerva Holmes launch the Grief Ministry at St. Monica Catholic Church. Her faith was very important to her, and she was not afraid of death. She was also an advocate and facilitator for NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) where she helped many families who dealt and lived with mental illness.

She is survived by her son Michael Gaffney of Little Elm, her daughter Kellie Gaffney of Carrollton, TX, her grandson Hunter Gaffney and granddaughter Kendall Gaffney.

A celebratory mass will be held on Friday, October 9th 2026 at 11:30am at St. Monica Catholic Church located at 9933 Midway Road, Dallas, Texas 75220. 214.358.1453

Flowers are accepted or if you would like to donate to Operation Kindness located at 3201 Earhart Drive. 972.418.7297.