Charlene A. (Nelson) Bird

Charlene was fearlessly free-spirited. Her life was filled with adventure and experiences too grand to capture in this brief narrative.

She was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on Jan. 29, 1956, to the late Rosalita (Beso) Nelson and Charles R. Nelson Sr. She was raised in Keene and attended St. Joseph Regional School, where the nuns were fierce and her friends were plentiful.

After graduating from Keene High School in 1974, Charlene’s desire to explore the world outside of her hometown led her to join the U.S. Air Force in 1976. She attended basic training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, where she gave them a run for their money with her rebellious flare. She was then shipped off to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, where she worked as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist. When she wasn’t busy being a grease monkey, she was drinking beers with the sergeants, riding through the mountains on the back of a motorcycle and sightseeing all she could find while traveling through northeast Asia.

After returning from her time overseas she traveled through the states finding love, swimming in Blue Hole, partying, sunbathing and seizing every opportunity for adventure.

She eventually found herself back in New Hampshire, where her greatest blessing was born, her daughter, Rachael. Charlene took to motherhood naturally and with full embrace. She will forever be, unequivocally, the greatest mother.

Her love knew no restrictions or limits. When it came to those who needed the tenderness only a true mother could give, she was there. For many, she was a trusted confidant who, when asked, would offer the compassionate advice that only can come from a life lived enthusiastically, genuinely and without regret.

And just when she thought her heart couldn’t possibly hold any more love, her grandson, Mac, was born. The pride and joy he brought her will shine on for eternity. She was an exemplary Nana, whose tender touch and comforting rhythm would lull her grandson to sleep each time she held him — even at some inopportune times.

Charlene embodied everything that is good in this world. Her soul will forever shine as the brightest star in the sky. Her spirit will live on in her daughter, her grandson and generations to come. We will feel her presence in the ocean breeze, in the sunlight upon our faces, the music we play, the smell of lilacs in the spring, the sight of sunflowers in late summer and the flutter of hummingbirds.

“Wherever you are, Mom, my love will find you.”

Charlene is survived by her daughter, Rachael (Bird) Skillings; her grandson, Mac Owen Skillings; and her son-in-law, Nicolas Skillings; her sister, Annette Rogers, and her husband, Kevin; Charles Nelson Jr.; her nieces, Michelle, Michelle and Shannon; her nephews, Ryan, Kyle, Caleb and Andrew; her stepdaughters, Yancy, Shannon and Keri; and countless honorary daughters gained through love.

Charlene is predeceased by her brother, Allan Nelson; her sister, Rosanne Russell; and her best friend, Kathy (Paige) Landers.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., with Military Honors at 5 p.m., at Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court St., Keene. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Italian Club, 97 Wood St., Keene afterwards.

The family requests that if any flowers are sent, if possible let them be sunflowers.

In addition, or in lieu of flowers, please be inspired to find an act of kindness to spread in Charlene’s honor.