Charlene Lois Shapiro

Charlene Shapiro was born on July 30, 1941, in the Bronx, New York, to Robert and Goldie, who welcomed her with open arms. A few years later, her beloved sister Gail was born, and Charlene grew up surrounded by a close and loving family. She cherished her childhood in the Bronx and always looked forward to summers spent with extended family in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Charlene was a proud member of the Taft High School Class of 1958. She continued her education at the New York State College for Teachers, now known as SUNY Albany, where she majored in English and earned her teaching certificate.

In the spring of 1959, Charlene met the love of her life, Jay Shapiro. They married in 1962, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 63 years and was filled with love, partnership, and shared adventure. Together, they built a wonderful life and family. They settled in Yonkers, New York, where they welcomed their first son, Rick, in 1963, followed by Gregg in 1965. In 1968, the family moved to Englishtown, New Jersey, where their third son, Cliff, was born later that year. In 1977, they made Freehold, New Jersey, their home.

Charlene dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her family, famously carpooling her sons to countless games and activities. Her involvement extended well beyond the sidelines. She was a founding member of Temple Shari Emeth and was deeply active in Hadassah, serving as Vice President of the Freehold Chapter and holding numerous state and regional leadership positions. She also worked with Young Judea groups, reflecting her lifelong commitment to community service.

Her passion for volunteering evolved into a distinguished 30-year career in healthcare administration. Charlene served as Director of Volunteer Services at Raritan Bay Hospital Association, overseeing all volunteer programs. Her leadership led her to become President of the New Jersey Hospital Association, where she was invited to speak at both state and national conferences. In recognition of her accomplishments, she was named New Jersey’s “Business Woman of the Year” in 1984. She retired in 1990.

Retirement allowed Charlene to further enjoy her many passions. She was an avid reader who loved devouring books, reading The Sunday New York Times, watching her favorite television shows, and visiting and entertaining many friends old and new all while remaining active in volunteer organizations. Later in life, she took up golf and shared that joy with Jay. Together, they became “snowbirds,” dividing their time between New Jersey and Hilton Head, South Carolina. Charlene could often be found on the golf course, where she proudly achieved a hole-in-one while living at the West Lake Country Club community.

Charlene built a wide and cherished circle of friends through golfing, canasta, and participation in two book clubs. She had a remarkable gift for maintaining lifelong friendships, some dating back to high school and college. She also loved to travel and was part of a close-knit group of “Travel Buddies.” Her adventures took her around the world, with favorite trips including Africa, Alaska, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and Spain, leaving behind thousands of photos, stories, and treasured memories.

Charlene is survived by her beloved husband, Jay Shapiro; her devoted sons and daughter-in laws, Rick and his wife Debbie, Gregg and his wife Diana, and Cliff and his wife Mary; and her six adored grandchildren, TJ, Jenna, Jake, Colin, Charlotte, and Cathryn. She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, leadership, love of family, and the lasting impact she made on everyone fortunate enough to know her.