Charlene Irene Forsgren

Charlene Irene Forsgren passed away peacefully on June 28th, 2024, surrounded by many of her loved ones. Charlene was born ninth of ten children to Clarence Ivory Smith and Gertrude Irene Butler in Murray, Utah, on January 7, 1938. From a young age, Charlene was hard- working and determined to rise above her impoverished circumstances. Her children recall her often telling the story of sitting around the dinner table with her family and telling them she was going to college. Her family laughed. No one in her family had ever gone to college, and Charlene was the only one of her siblings and parents to do so. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a teaching degree in history. Charlene taught History before she was married. She also taught special education for many years after working at home and raising her children.

 Charlene was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served in many capacities, including as a young missionary in Argentina and four missions with her husband, Brent, after retirement. After her first mission, Charlene dated and married Gerald Brent Forsgren (Brent) in the Logan Utah Temple on June 22nd, 1965. Brent and Charlene have 11 children: Brent (Sharee), Jennie (James), Ann (John), Peter (Jocelyn), Carolyn (Chad), Jay (Susan), John (Stacy), Michael (Jessica), Patrick (deceased), Thomas (Jimett), and Douglas (Emily).

 Growing up, Charlene’s children never questioned that they would go to college and work hard to pay their own way. All of Brent and Charlene’s children have undergraduate degrees, and many have advanced degrees. Charlene’s children, grandchildren (all 49), and great- grandchildren (28, many of whom know her as Candy-Grandma) continue to be inspired by her example. Her dedication to education and service to the community set a high standard for her family and those around her, inspiring them to strive for excellence and give back to their communities.

 Charlene also volunteered extensively in her community. Brent and Charlene moved around while raising their children, and Charlene always jumped in to volunteer in schools and teach her children to serve. From service in their Church, Christmas programs at homes for the elderly, and collecting trash on the side of the road, Brent and Charlene instilled the importance of serving their fellow man.

 In addition to her hard work and determination, Charlene is also well-known for her sense of humor. Her love of sports, always having a sugary treat to share, her loving teasing of others, and her often boisterous enjoyment of life brought joy and laughter to those around her. Her sense of humor was infectious, and her ability to find joy in everyday life was a gift to all who knew her.

 Charlene’s greatest joy was her family. She loved getting everyone together and once remarked, “The happiest time of my life has been with my children. I love to be around them. I marvel at how good they are and what they do. I am thankful to the Lord for making them so good. I love family reunions and watching them love each other. I love one-on-one time when we can just talk. They are very intelligent people, and it is enjoyable to be a part of their knowledge and listen to their opinions. It is wonderful!” Her love for her children was deep and unwavering, and she took great pride in their accomplishments.

 Charlene is preceded in death by her son Patrick, her parents, and all of her siblings. Knowing Charlene, there is a raucous reunion going on in heaven right now. Charlene will be greatly missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many others she has given love and inspiration to throughout her life.

 A Celebration of her life will be held Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N Fairfield Rd, Layton, UT 84041. Friends may visit with family Friday July 5, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 at the mortuary. Charlene would have wanted us to be happy and comfortable, so the dress code will be casual, of course, there will be candy!

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