Charlene Doherty Jayamanne, 70, of Columbia, MO passed away Sunday, January 29, 2023. Visitation will be Friday, February 10, 2023 at Sacred Heart Church, 105 Waugh Street Columbia, MO from 2-4:30 pm and Saturday from 9-11 am at the Church. Mass will follow at 11am on Saturday. Charlene’s ashes will be inurned in their family plot in New Hampshire.
Charlene was born January 24, 1953 in Newport, RI to James and Barbara Doherty; she was the eldest of 8 children. The early days of her childhood the family moved around for her father’s military career before they settled in Springfield, MA. Perhaps it was in this season that Charlene's love for travel began. As many of you know she could pack a car like a Game of Tetris and hit the road for days on end without any signs of exhaustion. She passed this "travel bug" onto both her son's; most notably through 2 Westward Bound Trips in the early 2000's with her Beloved Sister Kathy and 4 children (Tommy, Kevin, Maureen, and Helene); trips that her family and friends continue telling stories to this day... "Everyone! Look at the Sheep!"
Begrudgingly forced to move to the Midwest in 1966, Charlene completed high school at Mercy High School in University City. After graduation, she immediately headed back to New England for College where she graduated from Our Lady of the Elms College in Chicopee, MA. Whether it was an unforgettable impersonation of Elvis for theatre class, trying to coerce her son Andrew and niece Helene to attend the Elms, or later her fond memories as a Recruiter for the Our Lady of the Elms post-graduation, Charlene, or, “Charlie” as she was known in her younger years, frequently recounted stories to friends and family about her college days. Charlene returned to the Midwest briefly upon graduation and spent one year teaching in Kansas City, MO before again following her heart back East, this time to Cleveland!
Cleveland was her home long enough for her to make lasting friendships and spend wonderful years with her brother Jim, who would eventually marry the love of his life, Jane Doherty. To Charlie's sons, her most memorable friendship is Aunt Shirley (not blood related but might as well be). They would often stop in to see Shirley for a couple days on their way out to New Hampshire for family reunions. Anyone in need of some genuine care, hard knock advice, or a hug that you'll never forget, call Shirley. Never an underachiever, Charlene also earned her master’s degree in business administration from Cleveland State University during this time.
After some time, Charlene moved further East to New York City, where she worked at Downstate Medical College for the Chief of Surgery. She was actively involved in Our Lady of the Blessed Sacraments’ Church Choir and Singles Club, where she met her future husband. Her outgoing ways made their home the epicenter of many Flushing neighborhood gatherings, especially game 6 of the 1986 World Series! Met's won in 7 games!!!
In 1988, the family moved to Columbia, Missouri with their young son Anthony. Their second son, Andrew, was born soon after in 1989, and the family was complete. Upon arrival to the growing college town, Charlene started the Sacred Heart Montessori Preschool and Daycare where her son Andrew fondly recalls exasperating the staff in every capacity before moving on to kindergarten, where there were bigger fish to fry. We know Charlene has a special place in heaven for all of the patience and hard work she showed in raising her two boys.
In 1992, she began her career with the Juice Plus Company, where she worked until her retirement in 2021. To her everlasting fame, she shouted from the rooftops the benefits of Juice Plus - how it improved health and wellness and gave her many more years to spend with family and friends. By the way Mom, even the staff in the Neuro ICU were astonished to find out you had just turned 70, you didn't look a day over 50!
Charlene, Charlie, The JP Lady! … eldest daughter, big sister, loving mother, she never ceased to show up looking stylish, with a smile on her face, and a story ready to tell. Charlene is survived by her gregarious son Anthony "Tony" Jayamanne and trouble-maker son Andrew "AJ" Jayamanne.
Andrew is married to Anna Jayamanne. They were blessed with Charlene's first grandchild in March of 2021 - Jocelyn Jayamanne. Please enjoy photos of Charlene joyfully and intentionally spending time with Jocelyn. Charlene and Jocelyn brought each other so much joy in these last few months. It is bittersweet to hear 2-year-old Jocelyn expectantly say "Grandma?" when the front door opens. It was pure joy to see them interact and laugh together. Charlene, as you all know, was incredible with young children. She was always eager to help them learn, grow their minds and hold strong boundaries if behavior was out of line.
Thank you, Mom, for all the support and time you willingly gave, not only in these last few months, but throughout our lives. You left every person you met feeling encouraged and cared for. You generously gave your time and resources to the people and causes you cared about.
Her remaining siblings are Barbara (Steve) Loughman of Kansas City, MO, Ann Doherty of Columbia, Helene (Jeff) Conrath of Dayton, OH, Jane Doherty - wife of the deceased Jim Doherty, Fran Doherty - wife of the deceased Thomas Doherty, and Tom Sargent - who passed away in Sept. of 2020, reuniting with his Bride Kathy Sargent. Charlene has many nieces and nephews and a loving extended family. She was preceded in death by both parents, her sister, Kathy Sargent, and two brothers, Jim Doherty and Thomas Doherty.
Charlene was an active member of the Sacred Heart community and loved her fellow parishioners beyond measure. Rarely would she miss an opportunity to volunteer her time to help the parish in any way possible. From the daycare to coffee and donuts after Mass, and many projects in between, her contributions to this church community were immense. We can't thank her enough for all she did and the ways that her life continues to live on through those of us blessed to have known her in life.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Activity Center Rebuild in memory of Charlene Jayamanne.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.2