Marilyn Charette

Mystic — Marilyn E. (Mikkelsen) Charette of Mystic was peacefully reunited with the love of her life Friday, May 27, 2022, at the age of 86. Born and raised in Newport, R.I., Marilyn was the daughter of the late Alfred Mikkelsen and Minnie (Grinnell) Mikkelsen. Growing up in Newport, Marilyn was spoiled by four older brothers and a special aunt Abby.

Upon graduation from Rogers High School in Newport, Marilyn attended Truesdale Nursing School in Fall River, Mass. At the age of 20, Marilyn married Alfred Charette, an enlisted sailor, at the Union Baptist Church in Newport, on Oct. 4, 1956. In 2013, Al predeceased her after 56 years of marriage.

Marilyn was a proud registered nurse, spending more than 40 years working in hospitals, nursing homes and schools. She most enjoyed helping young mothers through her work with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society as a visiting nurse.

Married to a career submariner, Marilyn was the essential Navy spouse, solving problems on her own for six months at a time while Al was underway at sea. Al and Marilyn moved as the Navy instructed: Portsmouth, N.H., Fairfax and Virginia Beach,

Va., and New London, all being work stations. A dynamic and altruistic team, Marilyn and Al together successfully ran the Nautilus Alumni Association for many years. The couple were members of the Surfside 8 Square Dancing Club and in general, one would not be seen without the other. Marilyn had adventures on her own, including more than 40 years of volunteering with the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and serving as ambassador for the Groton Senior Center as well as past president of the Center’s Club 55.

An exemplary mother and grandmother, Marilyn’s true delight was being with her family. She leaves a daughter, Susan Charette of Mystic; and two sons, Robert Charette (Jill) of Mystic, and Brian Charette (Kerri) of Gales Ferry. Marilyn’s 8 grandchildren: Bryan Lynch (Katie), Kathryn, William (Ariel), Andrew (Meagan), Matthew (Morgan), Christopher, Summer and Joy Charette; and three great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Tessa and Brady filled her heart with joy and gladness every day.

A celebratory service honoring Marilyn’s life will be announced and published on www.mysticfuneralhome.com. Her burial will be private.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from

Care at Home LLC, as well as many of the wonderful nurses at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Club 55 Scholarship Fund, Groton Senior Center, 102 Newtown Road, Groton, CT 06340.