Charlene Weiscopf passed away peacefully in her home on 5 August 2023 after a short battle with cancer. Charlene was born in Yokohama, Japan on 23 September 1948 to CWO2 Kenneth D. and Margie V. Garland. As an Army brat, she lived in Japan, Virginia, Ohio, and Texas. In May 1966 Charlene graduated from Burges High School in El Paso, Texas and then attended the University of Texas at El Paso. On 6 Jun 1970 she married her high school sweetheart, Ensign Carl Weiscopf who had just graduated from the US Naval Academy. Charlene and Carl were happily married for over 53 years.
As Carl continued his Navy career, they lived in San Diego; Monterey, CA; Newport, RI; Fairfax, VA; Key West, Fl; Long Beach, CA; Pearl Harbor, HI; and back to San Diego where Carl retired after 30 years of service.
Charlene’s greatest joy was her family and she loved volunteering in a variety of activities including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and school related events. Several years she was recognized as the “parent of the year” for her daughter’s competitive gymnastics team. One of her proudest jobs was assisting in setting up a computer lab in 1986 at one of the local elementary schools in Fairfax.
In addition to supporting Carl during his career which included four (4) commanding officer tours, Charlene dedicated herself to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). She provided hundreds of volunteer hours to the Society branches in Long Beach; Pearl Harbor; and Naval Base San Diego. She received the Society’s Meritorious Service Award as Chair of Volunteers in both Pearl Harbor and San Diego.
In June 1998 Charlene accepted a staff position at Naval Air Station North Island and in May 2000 moved to the NMCRS office at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, CA. During her 15 years as a NMCRS employee Charlene assisted countless number of Sailors, Marines, and family members enabling them to meet unexpected expenses as well as improve their financial situation.
Charlene is survived by Carl and their children, Chris (Shelly) and Jennifer (Shane) and the true loves of her life her grandchildren – Emily Kathryn; Makena Kai; and Nicholas Leo. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Barbara (Roy) and her brother, Gary (Laurie) as well as many family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
Services are scheduled for 1:30 PM on 28 August 2023 at the Miramar National Cemetery. A celebration of Charlene’s life will follow at her home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Charlene’s memory to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society or the American Cancer Society. (click on charity to make donation)
Updated: August 08, 2023
Curator: Ed Moore