HOPE — Charlene Alfano, 94, died peacefully, Saturday, December 17, 2022 at her son’s home where she has joyfully resided for the past 4 years.

Born in West Rockport, February 29, 1928, she was the daughter of Robert J. and Mabel Simmons Heald. Educated in local schools, she was a graduate of Rockport High School. She later earned an associate’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Entering the workforce, Charlene worked four years as a photographer before joining the Red Cross. She served with that organization in Korea and France. She returned to the States in the early 1950s, first in Delaware, settling in California. She resided in California from 1959 to 2018, when she moved back to Maine to be close to her son and his family. As a young woman living in Southern California, Charlene was employed as a filing supervisor for Julius Lefkowitz & Co., financial advisor to the stars. During this time she was blessed with the opportunity to attend the Academy Awards where she was able to take many photographs of celebrities.

Charlene enjoyed helping people with Braille and membership in the Gold Coast Christian Church, where she made many friends. An accomplished photographer, she took many great photos. She enjoyed traveling all over the world with her life-long friend Meri Hillier.

For the past four years, Charlene has enjoyed the quiet life Maine has to offer. Living with her son and daughter-in-law she made many happy memories, whether enjoying sitting in the sun, cuddling with their pug ‘Daisy’, attending South Hope Community Church, or spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Charlene was always surrounded by love. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Other than her parents, Charlene was predeceased by her twin, Robert Heald, and her sister, Sylvia Kaura.

She is survived by her son, Steven Bowman and his wife Andrea of Hope; her grandchildren, Rosanna Bowman of Hope, Holly Bowman and her significant other Ryan Esancy of Burkettville, Wyatt Bowman and his wife Rachel of Friendship; her great-grandchildren, Anna and Leah Bowman, Cody Edgecomb and Aubrey Esancy; many nieces, nephews and extended loving family, as well as her best friends, Meri Hillier of Encino, California and Ken and Pat Latimer of Rockport.

Services will be announced at a later date. Private interment will be in Hope Grove Extension Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the South Hope Community Church, 142 Main St. Hope, ME 04847-3432.

To share a memory or story with Charlene’s family, please visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.