Charlene Schneider passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Webster Groves, MO, at the age of 86. Charlene was born on May 27, 1938, in Oklahoma City, OK, to Charles and Margaret Gordon.
Charlene was preceded in death by her much loved husband, Jim Schneider. She was mother to Rich Klosterman (Susan Senecal), Judy Lesellier (Philippe), Daniel Klosterman and Andrew Klosterman (Heidi); grandmother to Abby, Matt (Brittney) and Ben Klosterman, Max and Pierre Lesellier, Alexis and Nathan Klosterman; stepmother to Fran Black (deceased) (Mike), Steve Schneider (Diane) (both deceased), Lee Schneider (Laurie), Dana Doherty (Mike), John Shaw (Yvonne) and Brian Shaw (Kathi), along with many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Charlene enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, attending yoga classes daily and walking in her neighborhood (she said it kept her off the streets and out of bars). Charlene loved that Jim referred to her as his “trophy wife,” and she cherished her time traveling with him. Charlene had an impressive green thumb that she used to care for dozens of plants throughout her home (even rescuing several plants from her children before it was too late). We will miss deeply her presence in our lives.
Charlene was a special lady, always such a joy to see and visit with at Big Bend Yoga. My sympathies for your loss.
Charlene was a beautiful person, inside and out. She became my stepmom when I was an adult. She always went out of her way to be kind and make us feel like family.
Mrs. Klosterman as I called was like another mother to me when I lived across the alley. She would treat me just like one of own when Andy amd I would run through the house. Fly hivh with the Angels and give mom a hug from me. Also say hi to Norma and Al Vonderhaar.
We love our family, rest in peace Charlene. We will always remember the fun times, especially our family reunion.
I so looked forward to her sweet smile every week at Big Bend Yoga!
Charlene will be missed and this news saddened me. She was such a kind and welcoming soul. I looked forward to seeing her at yoga as I knew she would bring sunshine with her and make the rest of the day better!
Charlene was very dear to me at Big Bend Yoga; of course she was the first person I met at my first class. I had a favorite aunt who was also named Charlene, so I took that as a sign of a positive person, and I was correct! I am indebted to Charlene for her wise counsel concerning daughters marrying Frenchmen! When my daughter met a man (who subsequently became her husband) on her semester abroad in Paris, I was a little freaked out. Charlene sweetly pointed out all the wonderful parts of kids living abroad and calmed me down. I think of Charlene every time we are in France visiting our daughter, son-in-law and two precious grandsons. So, thank you Judy, for enabling your mother to show me the light!
I wish I could be at the services for Charlene, but my Frenchies will be visiting during that week. I know Charlene is happily doing yoga & drinking champagne wherever her heaven is.
I am so late posting this, but as we approach her memorial service, it’s time. I was her neighbor for (I’m really not sure!) 20+ years? Her husband Jim, before he passed, used to call my youngest who is 34 now, the Michelin Man. He was quite chunky and tried to open their garage door one time when he was 2-3 years old! She never let me forget that. The neighborhood used to have progressive dinner party’s at Christmas time. She always brought frozen Dove ice cream bars. Which we consistently forgot to get out! She was so smart, well read, had a fabulous life! What happened to her was such a tragedy. I think she still had her realtor license. She was a flight attendant back when they were stewardesses. She was proud of her home state of Oklahoma. And she was definitely head over heels in love with Jim. When he passed, she couldn’t even clean out his clothes for several years. I loved when her daughter and family came from France, the Frenchies she called them! And she visited them often. I have missed her since that tragic day. But she’s with Jim now and very happy! I was happy to have met all her children at some point or another, and Jim’s kids. Everyone was so loving and friendly. Hugs and warm thoughts to her family.
Char….we miss you! The love you showed for your sons, daughter, their spouses and your Grandchildren along with your sunny disposition gave me a lift. We sure enjoyed laughing at our lunches didn’t we? Wherever you are I bet you are talking about something you saw on (you know which station) television.
You broke the mold Char. Glad to have known you. Happy to have loved you. We will meet again.