Charlene M. Demshki Obituary (1935

Charlene was the oldest of four children born to Carl and Mae Price in Pueblo, Colorado. She is survived by her loving children: Greg George and Ginger George-Smith (Ken); Grandchildren Trenton, Tyler "Ty" and Tanner Smith, Daren Clary (Amanda), Emily Mansbridge (Mark) and Mason George and Maudie Demshki; Great-grandchildren Grayson, Oliver and Rowan Mansbridge; Sibling Carla Price Dickson (Chester), numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Husband Andrew, Sister Joan and Brother Robert "Bob" are with the Lord. Charlene, the oldest of four children, grew up in Walsenburg, Colorado. She was born with a sense of adventure and wonder, something that stayed with her for life. She had a tenacity for swimming, eventually teaching water safety classes, starting a water polo club, synchronized swimming group, and giving swimming lessons. She loved water skiing, snorkeling and occasionally ocean kayaking. Charlene had a way of passing her passions to others around her to be enjoyed. She was the first woman in her community to ride a dirt bike in an off-road race in Southern Colorado. She tried downhill skiing and ice skating. She loved to dance and sang in the church choir. She was an MYF and PF Youth leader in her church and a Cub Scout Den Mother. She enjoyed playing the piano. Charlene helped design and build the family home from the ground up. She worked full time, was frugal and a shrewd investor. She was thoughtful and generous to others around her. Most of all, she loved and was devoted to her family. As high school sweethearts, Charlene married Fred L. George on October 26, 1952. They were married for 24 years and had two children, Greg and Ginger. In the 1970's Charlene met Dr. Andrew Demshki, Jr. through their children. Their friendship developed into a mutual love and respect for each other. They were married May 16, 1980 and spent 31 loving and adventurous years together. Upon her retirement with U.S. West Telephone Company where she worked for 25 years, Charlene and Andrew moved to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to their children, retiring in Poulsbo, Washington. Together they purchased a lovely home overlooking Liberty Bay satisfying her love for the water. A voracious reader and lover of books, growing up she dreamt of traveling the world. After her retirement, Charlene and Andrew did travel throughout the world often taking a grandchild or family with them. She and Ginger traveled together numerous times as well. Her favorite place was South Africa, most interesting China. After Andrew's death in 2011, Charlene continued living in Poulsbo, Washington until her recent passing. Hers was a life to be celebrated. Charlene was a member of the Order of Eastern Star for over 50 years. In 1993, she received her Seamanship certificate as a member of the U.S. Power Squadron and the Agate Pass Power Squadron for Sail and Powerboating, to safely Captain their boat throughout Puget Sound Washington. When she was 63, she joined and performed with the Rhythm-n-Shoes Kitsap County Cloggers. Charlene felt blessed to a member of the Gramma Girls. A group of kind, supportive, active women who remained friends through thick and thin. Never one for sitting idle, she Volunteered for West Sound Youth for Christ, helped transport foster children and was a docent at Western Washington University SEA Discovery Center in Poulsbo. She hiked and walked with anyone who would join in. She loved to garden, sew and paint. Charlene was dearly loved by her family. She was an extraordinary daughter, sister, aunt, mother and grandmother. There are no words to explain how much she will be missed. Our blessing is in knowing she was loved and loved us greatly. Charlene, a Christian, attended Bible study for many years. She loved the Lord and knew she was a child of God. She was a member of and attended the Liberty Bay Presbyterian Church in Poulsbo where a celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 5th at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be sent to Liberty Bay Presbyterian Church - Together for God, West Sound Youth for Christ or to the Rotary Club in Poulsbo.