Charlene A. McKenna 1954-2025

Charlene was born July 4, 1954, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Charles and Ann Tepsick Buser, and grew up in the close-knit community of Girard, graduating from Girard High School in 1972.

She worked in the accounting department at Youngstown State University and later as a patient services representative at the Cleveland Clinic, retiring in 2021.

A woman of faith and generosity, Charlene was a member of St. Joan of Arc Church in Streetsboro and a former member of St. Rose Church in Girard. She and her husband, Joe, shared a heart for service, volunteering together with the Ulster Project, where they welcomed international students into their home and hearts.

She had a passion for traveling, cooking and baking, but her greatest joy came from the time spent with her family. Her proudest role was that of wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend.

Charlene leaves to forever cherish her memory, her husband of 46 years, Joseph McKenna, whom she married Sept. 23, 1978; her son, Ryan McKenna of Shaker Heights; her daughter, Lauren McKenna of Chicago; her sisters, Marsha (Jerry) Buser Majovsky of Apple Valley and Linda (Robert) Buser Stevens of Girard; and a large extended family, including nieces and nephews who adored their “Aunt Char.”

She will also be lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-law, Patricia (George) McKenna Krivan of Indianapolis, Lisa McKenna of Hubbard and Christine Babione of Florida; brothers-in-law, Mark (Christine) McKenna of Atlanta and Tom Stafford of Cuyahoga Falls; and countless cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents, Charlene was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Buser and his wife, Eleanor Buser; her father- and mother-in-law, George Sr. and Eleanor McKenna; brothers-in-law, George McKenna Jr. and James McKenna; and a sister-in-law, Eileen Stafford.

Family and friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 222 S. State St., Girard.

Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday. May 9, 2025, at the funeral home, and continue with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Rose Church, 48 E. Main St., Girard.

Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

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