Brenda "Charlene" MacLean

It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my courageous mother, Charlene Maclean, on May 27, 2016 at the age of 52.

Charlene, the eldest daughter of DJ (deceased) and Betty MacLean (New Glasgow) is survived by her only child, Mandie Richard (Dartmouth); grand-dog, Cooper; brothers, Phillip and Leon MacLean; and sister, Mary MacLean.

Always up for an adventure, Charlene spent as much time as possible travelling the world. Whether alone, with perfect strangers, or with friends and family, there was no location off limits, and no stone left unturned. For her, travel was always about learning and growing, never about the fear of the unknown - a life-lesson she spent countless hours trying to impress upon others.

Charlene found joy in simple things: early morning kayaks on the lake, hiking through the woods, beach walks with Mandie and Cooper, or sitting at the end of her dock, staring at the vibrant colours of a day's sunset. These were the moments she looked most forward to. The clouds were her friends, she said, 'they can show us great things.'

A Kripalu trained yoga instructor, she took great pride in sharing her yoga passion with others. For her, yoga was a way of life; a source of serenity, a pillar for self-compassion, and an energy force filled with strength. Her time spent with students - especially her beloved senior classes - were some of her fondest memories.

The list of people she treasured is far too long to write out, but always in her heart were those who remained a constant source of love, laughter and light. Lynn-Marie Richard, Kelley Cumminger, Judy Hatch and Miriam O'Brien, you each played a role in why she felt friendships could - and should - last a lifetime.

To the Richard family: she loved you from the beginning, and always kept a piece of her heart dedicated to you.

To Dr. D for his dedication; Dr. Bell for his efforts, and to the nursing staff of 5B & 7A for their attentiveness, thank you.

To all whom sent cards and flowers to Arizona, and to those who generously donated to her cause, we are forever moved by your generosity.

And finally, to our beloved Arizona family: thank you eternally for all you have done. Your kindness, compassion and love have filled us with more joy than you may ever fully realize. We carry you with us, always.

Cremation has taken place. Celebration of life to take place at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, NS, on Saturday June 4, 2016 at 2 pm. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to charities pre-selected by Charlene. A charity close to her heart, funds can be sent to 'Paws for Change Society,' (95 Montebello Drive, Dartmouth NS B2X 3J7 - no online donations), or, to 'The Northwood Foundation.'

“The light of my soul bows to the light of yours, for we are all one in spirit. Namaste.”