Charlene Mary deGroot

Charlene “Char” deGroot, affectionately known as Char Char and Grandma Char, passed away on May 25, 2026, surrounded by family, love, and music after meeting her final challenge with the same strength, stubbornness, and determination that defined her remarkable life.

A true force of nature, Char embraced life with unmatched energy, passion, and tenacity. She loved fiercely, laughed loudly, formed opinions passionately, and never did anything halfway. If she believed in a cause, she fought for it. If she loved someone, she loved them completely.

At the heart of Char’s life was a deep spirituality and an unwavering commitment to serving others. She believed that our lives are measured not simply by what we accomplish for ourselves, but by what we do for others. She dedicated herself to helping those in need, lifting up those around her, and teaching by example that kindness, compassion, and generosity are among life's greatest gifts.

Char spent most of her professional life as a nurse, working in hospitals, group homes and schools, caring for everyone she met with grace and dignity. For those family and friends closest to her, she used her nursing skills to help with healing, encourage advocacy and provide comfort at every opportunity.

Char cherished family, whether by blood or chosen family, and her dogs above all else. She loved gathering loved ones together, celebrating birthdays and holidays, traveling, sharing a glass of wine, creating memories, and turning ordinary moments into adventures. Whether known as Char Char, Grandma Char, Mom, sister, aunt, friend, or confidante, she had a remarkable gift for making people feel loved, welcomed, and valued.

She is survived by her loving children, Jennifer deGroot and Peter deGroot; her beloved son-in-law, Dan Chmielewski; her cherished granddaughter and best friend, Victoria deGroot; her beloved grandson, Gregory Waldren; her treasured granddaughters, Lily deGroot and Sarah deGroot; her husband, Peter deGroot; sister, Patricia Robben, brother-in-law, Ronald Robben and extended family members and countless friends whose lives were touched by her generosity, humor, and love.

Although her loss leaves an immeasurable void, her legacy lives on through the love she shared, the values she instilled, and the many lives she touched. She taught us to live boldly, love deeply, and care for one another. She believed that a life is measured not by its length, but by the love we give, the people we lift up, and the memories we create.

Defiant to the very end, she did not go gentle into that good night.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Char's life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church, 105 Randall Road, Shoreham, New York 11786, her parish.

A Celebration of Life will follow from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Homestead Pub, 107 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York 11771. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, raise a glass, and honor a woman who truly lived life to its fullest.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Charlene's honor.