Mildred

Mushero

OAKLAND – Mildred "Charlene" (Parker) Mushero, 82, died on Friday, November 6, 2026, at her home in Oakland, surrounded by her family, after a long illness. Charlene to everyone and Mimi to her grandchildren, she was warm, caring and quick to laugh. She spent her life looking after other people.

Charlene was born March 29, 1944, in Waterville, the daughter of Charles and Madeline (Thomas) Parker. She spent part of her early childhood in Pitman, N.J., before she returned with her mother to Oakland for third grade. She graduated from Williams High School and attended Thomas College. Her childhood friend Pam Elliott remained her friend for life.

In 1964, she met William "Bill" Mushero at Rummel's Ice Cream in Waterville. They were married on June 12, 1965, in Waterville, and made their home in Fairfield for 35 years before returning to Oakland in 2002, just down the street from Pam. Their 61-year marriage was a true partnership in raising their sons, Steve and Adam, and in building the family construction company, William Mushero, Inc. For decades, Charlene ran its office as administrator and bookkeeper. She was organized, persistent, and the one who kept everything going.

Her care reached well beyond her own family. Over about 12 years, she opened her home as a foster parent to numerous expectant teen mothers. She gave each of them a stable, loving home when they needed it most. She stayed close to several of them for the rest of her life.

Charlene loved dogs, and put that love to work as a volunteer and board member of the Humane Society Waterville Area. Later, she volunteered for 12 years at Thayer Hospital and MaineGeneral Medical Center.

She lived with pain for much of her life from childhood arthritis, including one high school year by phone from the hospital. Yet few people would ever have known about her pain or challenges. She never complained, and she put others first without a second thought. As a mother she was attentive and caring. She taught her sons, by word and by example, that everyone is the same and deserves the same respect. As Mimi, she was happiest when the grandchildren came to visit.

She loved a good book, her favorite TV shows, days at the lake and riding four-wheelers on family camping trips. She cheerfully called herself a bad cook. But there was never any question who ran Christmas: Charlene was its coordinator and boss.

Above all, people will remember her laugh. She could find the humor in almost anything, and she shared it freely. Modest to the end, she would be the first to say all this fuss should be about someone else.

Charlene is survived by her husband of 61 years, Bill Mushero of Oakland; her sons, Steve Mushero and his wife Yinan, and Adam Mushero and his wife Patty; her sister, Kim Parker; grandchildren Jeff, Scott, Cathy, Brittany, and Gregory; great-grandchildren Brock, Wyatt, Dresden and Emma; niece and nephew Kathy and Robert Samuels; her lifelong friend, Pam Elliott; Amie Costello and the other young mothers she welcomed into her home and who remained part of her family. She was predeceased by her parents, her daughter-in-law, Dawn, and her beloved dog, Cuda.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 14, at 2 p.m. at Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland, preceded by visitation from noon to 2 p.m. Burial will follow, overlooking Snow Pond at Lakeview Cemetery in Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Charlene's memory to the Humane Society Waterville Area or Maine Children's Home. Condolences and memories may be shared at Obituaries | Wheeler Funeral Home | Oakland, ME