Charlene Goldie Maavich

Charleen Goldie (Gibson) Maavich, age 83, of South Beloit, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, answering her wish to go home to her mom in Heaven.

She was born on June 5, 1943, in Cherry Valley, Illinois, the daughter of Albert and Elizabeth (Ulferts) Gibson. She married Wayne A. Maavich on June 16, 1962, who preceded her in death.

In addition to her husband and parents, Charleen was preceded in death by her seven siblings: Marty, Verna, Lois, Helen, Glen, Rosanne, and Jim.

She is survived by her children, Alan Maavich, Russell (Cheryl) Maavich, Timothy Maavich, Troy Maavich, and Tina (Zack) Percell; her nine grandchildren, Dylan, Jake, Randy, Alex, Brett, Ryan, Katie, Alyssa, and Hayden; and an anticipated great-grandchild due in December. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Charleen dedicated much of her life to the care and nurturing of children. While her own children were growing up, she was an active and familiar presence at Shirland School, where she served as a room mother and assisted in the school's kitchen and office. She also led the Shirland School Brownie and Daisy troops as a Girl Scout Leader, a role she continued long after her own daughter had moved on from Girl Scouts. Over the years, she lovingly raised her five children while often caring for her grandchildren and the children of neighbors.

In her fifties, after many years as a devoted housewife, Charleen decided to embark on a new chapter and began working as a teacher's aide in the Beloit School District. In this role, she found great fulfillment in working with special needs children, bringing the same warmth and patience she had always shown to the young people in her life.

In her quieter hours, Charleen enjoyed doing ceramics, listening to classic country music, and watching the Grand Ole Opry alongside old movies, with a particular love for westerns. She was always happy when she was with her grandkids. She also enjoyed all the holidays and took great pleasure in decorating the house for them, creating a warm and festive atmosphere for her family and herself to enjoy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are pending. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com