Charlene Lynn (Smith) Ovenell, 54, passed away at her home in Burlington on May 26, 2014, surrounded by family and friends, after a valiant fight against breast cancer. Charlene was born in Sedro-Woolley on December 13, 1959, the daughter of Fred & Maledia (Self) Smith.
    Char graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1978.
    On September 21, 1985 Char was united in marriage to Jim Ovenell.
    Char worked for several years in the banking industry. Following that, she felt very fortunate to be able to co-own and operate Flower Island Soap Company with her mother, Maledia Smith. This endeavor enabled them to spend many happy years working together. For the past ten years she was employed by the Burlington-Edison School District, most recently in the business office.
    Her true passion was party planning and she was always “the life of the party”. Whatever the event, she took great joy in being surrounded by her many friends and family.  She went as far as becoming a wedding officiant in order to perform the marriage of her good friends Shelby and Willard Boyd.
    An adventurous soul, Char also loved traveling. Monte Carlo was a highlight, along with several vacations in Hawaii and Mexico.
    Char is survived by her husband, Jim Ovenell of Burlington; her parents, Maledia and Fred Smith of Sedro-Woolley; step-sister, Tammy Brendicke of Tacoma; “Papa O” (Lyle Ovenell) of Burlington; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law and many friends.
    She was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, Denton and Cumi Self and Dorothy Smith; her mother-in-law, Therese Ovenell and her dear friend, Cathy Jo Ruschmann.
    A special thanks to Swedish Cancer Institute in Edmonds. There were many people who helped Charlene in her fight against cancer and they are appreciated.  Even though they felt honored to do it, we want to acknowledge those who allowed Char to continue her care in Edmonds and to remain at home. They include Judy Vivanco, Darla Binder, Debbie Randall, Jennifer Vandegrift-Reichlin, Bev Lenning, Brenda Suryan-Sen, Sharon Wilson, Bren Linn and Dennis Ruschmann.
    A time of viewing will be held on Friday, May 30, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley.
    Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 31st at 1:00 p.m. at the Valley Baptist Church, 710 John Liner Road in Sedro-Woolley. Interment will follow at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery.   Memorials in Charlene’s name may be made to Swedish Cancer Institute, 21632 Hwy. 99, Edmonds, WA 98026.