Charlene M. (DeMark) Shackle

Charlene Mary Shackle, beloved by her family and many dear friends, passed away peacefully at Concordia of Franklin Park, on the morning of July 14, 2026. She was 82 years of age.

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom,” wrote Marcel Proust. Indeed, Charlene’s soul and life blossomed with family members and friends she cherished, and in turn, to whom she gave much joy. This extended to her contributions as a lifelong public school teacher and volunteer in the Pittsburgh area community.

Born in 1944, Char grew up in Wampum, Pa. Her early years were marked by visits with her maternal grandmother, Vasilia Cini, to enjoy delicious pasta, and by good times with her sisters, cousins, and friends. When Char and her sisters experienced the all-too early deaths of their father, Charlie, in 1959, and mother, Susie, in 1974, their parents’ Italian American extended families – aunts, uncles, and cousins – helped sustain the sisters by providing love, warmth, and sweet, memorable holiday gatherings. Throughout her life, Char was shaped by her mother’s and father’s loving care and their values, such as pursuing a good education and giving back to one’s community.

Char’s mother Susie emphasized education, especially because, after the girls’ father died, she returned to school and earned a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Char graduated from Clarion University in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree. She first returned to Wampum and taught at Wampum Elementary School. Char subsequently was hired by Pittsburgh Public Schools as an elementary school teacher and taught for more than 30 years in Pittsburgh, including at Schiller Elementary School and Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School. She retired after the 2000-2001 school year. At Clarion and during her teaching career, Char developed the friendships that would remain important, strong, and affirming throughout her life.

Char relished the years after her retirement, which featured a combination of her activities and gatherings with family and long-time friends, travel, and community service. Some of her volunteer commitments evolved from her own and family experiences. One example came from seeing her mother go through breast cancer. Charlene walked with her long-time, close friend Sandra Dominici for many years in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the education and funding event for breast cancer, in Pittsburgh. In addition, Charlene and Sandra teamed up for years as Meals on Wheels volunteers in delivering nutritious meals to seniors who are homebound.

Another of her significant volunteer commitments came about after Charlene suffered through and survived a life-threatening ruptured brain aneurysm, thanks to treatment in the Allegheny Health Network. She underwent rehabilitation at the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital. She later dedicated much time to volunteering for this Encompass hospital. “Once she was helped, she turned around and helped others,” said Kathy Bolea, a speech pathologist who first worked with Charlene and became a dear friend. As she observed, Char “found great purpose in serving others through her volunteer work.”

At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, Char dedicated time to the Monthly Brain Injury/Stroke Support Group. As a peer supporter with the hospital’s Brain Injury Group, Char shared her strength and understanding to help others navigate their recovery. She participated in the annual Stroke Reunions and various Encompass fellowship and celebration gatherings.

Char enjoyed many activities and treasured travel with family and friends. On trips to Myrtle Beach, she loved golfing with her son, Todd. Her love of the sport continued for many years on frequent outings at area courses with longtime friends. She loved the theater, especially seeing plays at Downtown Pittsburgh theaters. In recent years, Char savored the “girls’ trips” with her sisters and cousins to beautiful spots and fun destinations.

Wherever she was, Char brought her quick, often-wicked sense of humor. As a long-time friend of over 60 years said, “She was a character.” Friends and family will hold dear in their hearts Char’s warmth and the ways she made people smile and laugh.

Charlene Shackle was predeceased by her son, Todd Shackle, who died in 2025. Survivors include Peter Shackle, Char’s husband, of Baden; Char’s sister and brother-in-law, Rosemary and Bill Roberts, of Moultonborough, N.H.; her sister, Susan DeMark, of New Paltz, N.H.; cousins Marianne Turner of New Brighton and Mark Deitrick of Beaver, Phyllis DeMark of Amherst, Ohio, and other wonderful cousins; Char’s niece and her husband, Carol and Al Vincent of Lewis Center, Ohio; and many cherished, long-time friends.

Family and dear ones are invited to celebrate Charlene Shackle’s life at a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 10:30 a.m., in St. James Church - Divine Redeemer Parish, 200 Walnut Street, Sewickley, PA 15143. Burial will immediately follow in Sewickley Cemetery.

Family members have felt grateful and blessed by the excellent medical treatment Char received through Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and the incredible care that Concordia of Franklin Park and Bridges Hospice provided in recent months daily to Char.

The family suggests donations to Bridges Hospice or Concordia of Franklin Park. The family gratefully declines any flowers. Arrangements are proudly entrusted to the RICHARD D. COLE FUNERAL HOME, LTD., 547 8th Street, Ambridge, PA 15003. To leave a memory of Charlene, please visit us at: richarddcolefh.com

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