On October 17, 2017, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, cousin and friend checked into the Hawaiian corner of heaven for her final stay. Charron McDormand, 69, of Acworth, GA, left this world peacefully surrounded by her husband and children after a valiant battle with cancer.
Born on July 29, 1948 in Lowell, MA, Charron grew up in Billerica MA where she was an accomplished ballet dancer and the co-captain of Billerica Memorial High School’s cheer squad. She graduated from Fisher Junior College in 1968, became a legal secretary and continued her love of dance as an instructor at Marshall Sisters Dance Academy in Lowell, MA.
In 1969 she went on a blind date, and met the love of her life, Jack McDormand. They married just 11 months later on October 5th and relocated to Marshfield MA in 1977 where they raised their three children; Jennifer, Stacey and Jon. The door to their home was always open and could be found filled at any time with friends and neighbors, lots of food and laughter. No matter who walked through the door, or at what time, Charron was always available to put out some cheese and crackers and sit down for a chat in the kitchen. Regular family dinners were a mainstay and she loved to entertain. Each and every holiday was steeped in tradition with abundant food, elaborate decorations and a house full of family and friends. Her family was her greatest joy. She was extremely proud and fiercely protective of her husband, her children and her six grandchildren.
Charron’s career interests were as varied and passionate as she was, and she approached each venture with gusto. She was a creative, enthusiastic, artistic and adventurous woman who had no time for staying idle. If something were new to her, she would dive in without hesitation, and quickly become an expert. After having children, she became a preschool teacher at Steeple School in Marshfield, MA. Charron’s success and enthusiasm in the fitness arena led her to managing a local women’s fitness studio. Soon after, The Alternative in Fitness, her own fitness center, was born. The Alternative became a thriving gym where Charron choreographed her own dance aerobics classes. During the “aerobic years” she also hosted a local cable show called “Spotlite on Fitness” and joined the American Heart Association and “danced for heart” with a local four-member team. When one of her instructor’s children was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy, Charron organized an annual aerob-a-thon that raised over 10K yearly in donations for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She presented the gift on television during the Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethon. After selling her business, she went back to school to earn her Medical Assistant degree and continued studying toward her RN. She worked in the medical field for many years managing two offices for a local medical practice sharing her empathic and caring personality with her patients. When her son joined the US Marine Corp, her family jokes that Charron joined too. While he served, Charron made many connections with other marine family members. One such connection led to the Olympic relay committee choosing Charron to run in the 2002 Winter Olympic torch relay in Charlotte North Carolina. Charron’s ability to connect with people deeply is what made her so special.
One of her greatest passions was her love for travel. From the first day of planning, to the trip itself, she loved every part of the process. Whether it was a simple road trip, a Disney extravaganza or a Hawaiian adventure with Jack, she would pour over travel books and create detailed itineraries, ensuring that the trip was executed flawlessly. The many family vacations, and the shenanigans that ensued, created countless hilarious memories that will live on for years to come. Charron and Jack continued to travel together every chance they got, visiting sites all over world. They loved to cruise and take road trips but their favorite vacation was their annual anniversary trip to Hawaii where they would hike and explore and enjoy the local cuisine.
On this, her final journey, we are comforted by the belief that she has found the warmest, sunniest spot in heaven and is sitting with her a cup of hot Kona coffee enjoying the view with her beloved dog Maggie.
Charron is survived by her loving and devoted husband Jack McDormand, her children Jennifer Shields and husband Tim Shields of Marietta, GA, Stacey Petrosevich and husband Eric Petrosevich, of St Augustine, FL and Son, Jon McDormand and wife Leah McDormand of Marietta, GA, her 6 grandchildren, Ava, Alexis, Savannah, Austin, Allison and Jackson and her sweet black lab Maui as well as numerous extended family and friends. A memorial service will be held on 11/18/17 at 11:00 AM at The Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul at 1795 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30062. Coffee and refreshments with the family will follow at the church.
