Charlene Terese Stenstrom, age 64, of Des Plaines, Illinois passed away May 16, 2022. Beloved wife of 34 years to the late James Stenstrom. Loving mother of Melisa (Christopher) Swanson and Katie Stenstrom. Proud grandmother of Aria and Landon Swanson. Dear sister of Joe Romano Jr., Cindy Romano, and Dawn (Jerry) Kleiner. Fond daughter-in-law of Lois Stenstrom, and sister-in-law of John Stenstrom and Julie (Todd) Gustafson.

Charlene was born April 2, 1958 in Chicago, Illinois to Addie (nee Payne) and the late Joseph Romano. She grew up in Des Plaines, Illinois, surrounded by family. Charlene would often be found helping out at Romano's, the family restaurant. Her family moved to Sarasota Florida for a brief time. As an adult, Charlene looked back on those years with fond memories. When her family moved back to Des Plaines, she moved in next door to the love of her life and the rest was history. She graduated Maine West High School class of 1976, and went on to study music on a scholarship at Northern Illinois University. Charlene loved playing her clarinet and was an avid ballerina. Charlene married James Stenstrom in 1983 and went on to have two daughters. She worked at the First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines as the secretary for over 15 years. Charlene also volunteered much of her time to the kids and bell choir's in the church. In her free time, she enjoyed sewing, photography, and genealogy. Charlene touched everyone she knew and will be greatly missed.

A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, June 1, 2022 from 5:00 until 8:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 668 Graceland Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60016. Memorial to service to follow Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 10:00 am at the church. Interment in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlene's name can be made to First United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.