Charlene Richards Calder

Charlene Richards Calder, 84, of Ashburn, Virginia passed away on May 15, 2020. Charlene Calder was born on June 19, 1935 in Ogden, Utah to Walter and Doris Richards. Charlene and her sister, Carole McCurley (Reisterstown, MD), lost their father at a young age. Walter Richards perished as a Purple Heart American hero in WWII, when his plane was shot down over Germany in October 1943. Her mother, Doris remarried to Joseph Galante and added an additional three siblings: Christopher Galante (Bel Air MD), Catherine Galante Welzenbach (Naperville IL), and Lawrence Galante (Baltimore MD). Charlene had a remarkably close relationship with all her siblings and her stepfather Joe. Charlene graduated from high school in California and moved to Maryland where she met her husband Donald James Calder. On September 23, 1956, at age 21, they married and began a long life together traveling and moving frequently as Don was in the Navy including years stationed as a US Attaché in Athens, Greece. Charlene was an unsung hero in support of her military husband. She was blonde and petite but was the “pillar of strength” for the family raising four children, Michael, Mark, Craig, and Christie. They settled in Northern Virginia with Don’s final military assignment at the Pentagon. In addition to caring for their four children, Charlene worked for approximately 20 years at George Mason University until retirement. Charlene had a deep passion for traveling and learning about other cultures. They spent their time travelling frequently to numerous countries, many times with her sister Carole on cruise ships and even an African safari. Charlene was appreciated through the decades for her personal strength, endearing warm smile, deep devotion to family, optimistic outlook on life, and her incredible ability to always dress with the vibrant style. She was welcoming and supportive of everyone. As their family grew to include 11 grandkids, Charlene became known as Gmom and her love and devotion was immeasurable. She was actively involved in bringing all her grandkids together, attending their events, hosting holidays, and was her happiest surrounded by their smiles. A resident of Ashby Ponds in Ashburn, VA since 2009, Charlene and Don continued to enjoy their family events, traveling and frequent trips to the family compound in Crapo, MD. Her compassionate and loving husband was always by her side. She tested positive for COVID-19 in late April 2020 and bravely fought for three weeks. Shortly thereafter, the disease progressed, and she passed away on May 15, 2020. She is preceded in death by her father, Walter Richards, her mother, Doris Galante, and her stepfather, Joseph Galante. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years Donald Calder, her four children: Michael (Kathleen) Calder, Mark (Robin) Calder, Craig (Karen) Calder and Christie (Lee) Kestler; as well as her 11 grandchildren: Curtis and David Calder, Darcy, Joseph, and Andrew Calder, Chelsea and Kaylee Calder, Samantha and Ryan Booth, Andrew and Jordan Kestler. A ceremony and burial (interment) will occur at Arlington National Cemetery in November 2020. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association.

Charlene Richards Calder

June 19, 1935 - May 15, 2020