Obituary of Charlene B. Kidder

Charlene B. Kidder, 67, of 3680 Nutt Road, Jamestown, died Thursday July 30, 2015, in her home and surrounded by her family. She was born April 16, 1948, in Corry, PA, a daughter of the late Raymond and Doris Raymond Willink. In 1966, she graduated from Clymer High School and subsequently attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She was an accomplished artist and calligrapher who studied art with instructor Helen Gilbert for over 30 years. Her works were featured in an art show at the Prendergast Library nearly a decade ago. Her artwork and calligraphy hang in homes around the country; murals she painted may be seen locally at WCA Hospital and the Gateway Community Center. In addition to her time and service at Gateway, she also gave generously of her gifts to many fortunate family members and friends. From Christmas ornaments and stockings, to button creations, hair bows, dresses, curtains, and tooth pillows, her creative talents were treasured by many. She was most content when she was quietly serving others with her creative gifts. As an active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, Charlene served the Lord as a trustee, Christian Education Board member, choir member, Awana leader, and women's circle leader. She also consulted on much of the decor of the church. Her love for Jesus fueled her service to the church and others throughout her life, and her unwavering faith was her strength through the end. Her greatest hope was seeing Jesus face to face. She is survived by her husband, Bruce Kidder, whom she married in 1968; three daughters, Tara (Shawn) Cotter of Busti, Jill (Ryan) Smith of Jamestown, and Erin (Joel) Worden of Townsend, DE; ten grandchildren, Jacob, Aubin, Megan, and Lauren Cotter, Ella and Julia Smith, and Lily, Bryn, Greta, and Elliot Worden; two sisters, Shirley (Dean) Wilson of Erie and Connie (Scott) Aiken of Clymer, and a brother Norvel (Judy) Willink of Clymer. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 2 in Hillcrest Baptist Church. Rev. Mark Hinman will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, August 1 in the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750 or Roswell Park Cancer Alliance, Carlton St, Buffalo, NY 14263. You may light a candle in remembrance of Charlene at www.lindfuneralhome.com.