There once was a woman whose light shined so brightly, it's rays illuminated the world of all those around her.
Charlene Ruth Dapelo, youngest daughter of Esther Begemenn and Charles Herzberg, came into this world on October 2,1951, and passed away in her sleep on September 15, 2020 in her Dana Point home. Charlene and her two older sisters, Ellie and Carol, spent their youth in Pasadena. After experiencing a rare glimpse into the surfing world's elite of the 1970's as secretary to Hobie Alter and close friendship with Bruce Brown, in whose home her eldest son later married, the young beauty wed Gary Dapelo and had two beautiful boys, Brian and AJ. From that point on, this little nucleus became her whole world.
To be mother to Brian and AJ was the greatest joy of her life. Her dedication to her boys was unparalleled, and on week days Charlene could be seen volunteering at their school and at every one of the sports events, while weekends found her sitting on the steps of Monarch with her best friends, playing Rummicube or cards, while watch over the boys as they played with friends on the beach.
Charlene exemplified the words of the Psalmist: "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." – Psalm 90:12 One of those rare few with the innate ability to truly savor the present moment, Charlene looked to capture every opportunity to make memories with her family. Among these cherished memories includes their seasonal trips to the family home in Hawaii, especially for Thanksgiving. Over time, her charming little beach bungalow, a home brimming with laughter and pancakes, evolved into a place where families from California would all come together, the children surfing out front as sea turtles swam by, the parents busily preparing the feast to come. She taught that the best meals are the meals shared, and welcomed so many into her home and heart.
Her spirit for adventures shared with loved ones also led her on trips to Europe and Polynesia, and she adores reminiscing of her travels in the French Riviera, Tahiti, and Fiji.
A woman who truly understood the significance of goodness and devotion in all its forms, Charlene was a source of maternal love and encouragement to countless lives. She valued her friendships and could boast of a close intimacy with a circle of women that were like sisters to her. Like a mother to so many, Charlene took in her son's wife, Nichole, as if she were her own daughter, and cherished her relationship with her nieces and nephews, Kris, Steve, Brittany Jennifer, DJ, Eric and Jacob.
Carrying on the Christian belief of her mother, whom everyone knew as Grammy, Charlene was a woman with a profound sense of faith and family. Always ready to listen with saintly patience and pray with others, the roots of her faith has become an enduring facet of her legacy, even now transcending into her children's children.
Just as much as she loved being "mom," she loved being "Nana." Charlene has two beautiful grandchildren, Gabriel and Coco. Charlene loved listening to her grandchildren sing her songs and taught them how to blow raspberries. And every time she spoke with them, she reminded them over and over how much she loved them. She was a living example of her philosophy that love is what matters most.
Charlene lived a life of beauty and of honor, choosing to be a part of both the big moments, and the in-between moments of life for those she loved. The value of her life is evident because of the impact she will forever continue to have in the lives of those she raised.
A woman always ready to laugh, her sunny character, resilience and silent strength, magnanimity of spirit and tender heartedness is evident in both her children and her grandchildren.
A small private service will be held for Charlene, on October 15th, to celebrate her life and all the love she brought to this world.