1949 - 2024
Visitation
May 3, 20243-7 P.M.
Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex Street, N. Chelmsford
Funeral
May 4, 202411 A.M.
St. John the Evangelist Church, 115 Middlesex St., N. Chelmsford
Charlene R. (Lafferty) Muscato RN, 74, of Tyngsboro, MA, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, April 25, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Lowell, MA, she was the cherished daughter of the late Charles and Vera (Shepard) Lafferty.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Brian J. Muscato, who died November 24, 2017.
Charlene was deeply devoted to her community and faith, dedicating over 50 years to parish ministries. She initiated and launched the Faith Community Nursing Ministry and was an active member of the Hospitality Committee at St. John the Evangelist in North Chelmsford.
She began her educational journey at Sacred Heart elementary school, Keith Hall and graduated from Lowell High School with the Class of 1967. Charlene pursued her passion for nursing at Catherine Laboure School of Nursing in South Boston; where she became a Registered Nurse. Her career led her to serve with compassion and skill at the Lowell Visiting Nurse Association, and later, she contributed her expertise as a board member for the Tyngsboro Council of Aging and Age Span.
A pillar of strength and leadership, Charlene was a proud member and past president of Altrusa International of Merrimack Valley. Beyond her professional and civic commitments, she found joy in life’s simple pleasures, from leisurely days at the beach, to exploring new destinations through travel, cheering on her Red Sox and indulging in retail therapy. However, her greatest happiness came from being with her cherished grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure.
Charlene’s recent recognition during Lowell Women Week in March 2024 was a testament to her remarkable contributions and impact on her community. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and unwavering love.
Charlene is survived by her two devoted sons, Matthew and his wife Patricia Muscato of Libertyville, IL, Colonel Shane and his wife Jennifer Muscato of Pensacola, FL, and her loving daughter, Meaghan Muscato of Tyngsboro, MA and her companion Jason Yeager of Plaistow, NH. She is also survived by her dear sister, Sister Mary Lou Lafferty OSF of Allegany, NY, “Nana” to six cherished grandchildren: Molly, Emma, Abigail, and Casey Muscato, Owen and Liam Chapman, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Robert and Gerald Lafferty, and her sister, Barbara McDermott.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Visiting hours Fri., May 3, 2024 from 3 to 7pm. Funeral Sat., May 4, 2024 at 10am from the at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST., N. CHELMSFORD, MA followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am at St. John the Evangelist Church in N. Chelmsford. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell, MA. Memorials may be made in her name to the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany P.O. Box W, St. Bonaventure, NY 14778 or Tufts Medicine Care at Home, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, MA 01843. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Mike St. Germain
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Although I didn’t know Charlene, I have known Meaghan for several years. I am sure she was vibrant and passionate in all that she did. She will be missed!
Thoughts and Prayers
Mike
Mary Ann & Jim Egan
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To Charlene’s Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you, Charlene’s children and grandchildren, on the loss of your mother and grandmother. I volunteered with Charlene on the Hospitality Comm. at St.John’s and although I knew her for only short time, I saw how she gave her heart and soul to the church. Through her tireless efforts in all the groups and committees she was a part of, we all have benefited in one way or another. May she rest in peace. Mary Ann Egan
Priscilla (Bigold) Fawcett
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My sincere condolences to Charlene’s family. I was a classmate at Keith Hall and coworker at St John’s years ago. She was an exceptional woman and I was privileged to know her. May she rest in peace.
Sharon Chandonnet
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I had the pleasure of knowing and working at Greater Lowell VNA during some years together, She was an amazing Nurse and incredible family person! I met her Husband through work functions and worked for a bit with Meaghan!! All blessings, extremely thoughtful caring and loving family! My Deepest Sympathies to you all!!! 🙏🙏🙏🌹🙏🙏🙏🌹
Patricia Williams
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Dear Charlene’s lovely family,
We were nurses at then St. John’s Hospital and later at Lowell VNA. I treasure our friendship of over 54 years… we have had many memorable experiences together and I will truly miss her smiles, our regular lunches and her pleasant nature.
My thoughts and prayers to the Muscato family 🩷🙏🏻
Pat
Jen Knowlton
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Charlene was an amazing lady. She was always there to help and guide me in my nursing career. She will be missed. My condolences, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dino Romano
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Meaghan, can’t tell you how sorry I am to hear about your mother’s passing. I will miss her drive-by waves and cheerful hellos when I walk by the house with Buka, the little white Komeeka Farm Maltese dog. I’m working in Houston for the next two weeks and can’t make the services. But please know she will be missed by many neighbors on Red Gate Road.
Sr Patricia Sheeran, OSF
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May God hold Charlene in a loving embrace and console her grieving family at this difficult time.
LAUREN WOEKEL
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My sincerest condolences. I was a colleague of Charlene. She was always helpful to me and the many seniors of Tyngsboro. She will be missed.
Nancy Pettinelli
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My sincere condolences to Charlene’s family. She was a most caring individual and a dedicated member of the VNA of Greater Lowell who will be missed by all who knew her.
Volante McGee Henderson
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May your mom soul’s rest in Heaven. My deepest condolences to you during this difficult time. May the love of family, friends and cherished memories offer you relief over time.
Kendra (McEnaney) Carson
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Charlene touched many communities of people and always had a smile and a “hi there”.
Gary Shepard
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So sorry to hear about Charlene, my cousin…my condolences go out to the family.
Linda Brodeur
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On behalf of the entire Bishop Guertin Community, I send our heartfelt condolences during this time of loss. Mrs. Muscato’s volunteer work at BG helped us launch the Cardinal Endowment, financial assistance for families in need. Over the years, hundreds of students have benefited from her enthusiastic help. Please know we are forever grateful for her kindness and her energetic support. We are holding you all in our thoughts and in our prayers during the difficult days ahead.
With deepest sympathy;
Linda Brodeur, BGHS President
Debbie Pichel
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A true gem! Charlene was 1 of a kind. Always a phone call away for me as a discharge planner. Weekend’s, nights. So sorry for your loss.
Dan and Susan O'Neill
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Charlene, Our lives will go on without you, but nothing seems the same. We try to hide our tears when someone speaks your name. You did so many things for us, your heart was kind and true. When we need someone, we could always count on you. There is emptiness within our hearts that no one else can fill.
We loved you then, we love you now, and we always will!
Frank N. Peabody
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🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Meaghan, Merilyn & I send our prayers and sympathy to you and your family. Charlene was a true friend and a devoted Catholic. She will be missed, but will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Juliana Magbondzi Tweneh
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“I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.”(2 Timothy 4:7).
Yes! Charlene, fought a good fight! Infact, she did it all, especially, keeping her faith till the end and now we pray that, the righteous Crown which our Lord will give and in His mercy and by His grace, is awarded her.
Meagan and family, if I say, Charlene, was a wonderful woman, it’s understatement!
I remember, when my daughter, had her Ist Communion, on 4/28/2013, Charlene, and her late husband, Brian, provided all the food and drinks for the party for FREE!!! They also decorated the hall.What a wonderful couple!
She was always grateful and full of smiles anytime, my son, assisted Owen, her grandson, as an Al
alter server.
Charlene, was always welcoming and my family was blessed to know her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
We will greatly miss her.
May her soul rest in peace!
Pat Jamros
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Dear Meaghan, Matthew and Shane….
I am so sad to hear of Charlene’s passing.
I am thankful I was able to see her at the Sy. Patrick’s dinner at Church.
Charlene was a wonderful wife, mother, friend and integral member of the St. John’s Hospitality Committee as well as the Tyngsboro COA.
She contributed her time and talents very quietly, but always appreciated.
She will be sorely missed but holds a special place in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched.
Rest in Peace Dear Charlene.
Pat Jamros.