Charleen Frances "Char" Tran (Richards), age 73, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, in Morro Bay, California. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Charleen faced her ALS diagnosis in October 2024 with remarkable strength and grace.
Born on January 27, 1952, in Orange, California, Charleen was the beloved daughter of Virginia and Robert Richards and granddaughter of Norman and Ellen Reeves. She grew up in Southern California and graduated from Valencia High School before continuing her education at Fullerton College. She later attended court reporting school, laying the foundation for a career that included work as a medical stenographer and optometrist assistant.
In high school, Charleen's talent shone brightly when she earned the Best Actor award—an early sign of her vibrant spirit and expressive nature. Her creativity extended into adulthood through countless art projects that brought joy to those around her.
Charleen married the love of her life, William "Bill" Tran, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage filled with love and partnership. Together they raised two daughters: Emily Houghton and Brook Smith. Charleen cherished her role as a mother and grandmother to Gavin and Nolan Houghton, Grant Smith, and Blake Cruz. Her family was the heart of her world.
She is also lovingly remembered by her brother Robert Richards and sister Sally O'Shea. Charleen was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
A woman of deep compassion for animals, Charleen dedicated over two decades to pet rescue volunteer work in San Clemente and San Luis Obispo. Her boundless love for animals touched every creature she encountered. Whether traveling or whale watching along the coast she loved so dearly, Charleen found joy in nature's beauty and wonder.
Her faith was an important part of her life. Participating at Saint Timothy's Catholic Church in Morro Bay, she found comfort and community through worship.
Charleen's final wishes were fulfilled, and she is laid to rest surrounded by animals as she was in life, under a mature and beautiful Oak tree, in the forest at Lake Arrowhead.
Charleen's legacy lives on through the lives she touched—with kindness that never wavered and a spirit that remained unbroken even in the face of illness. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.
Born on January 27, 1952, in Orange, California, Charleen was the beloved daughter of Virginia and Robert Richards and granddaughter of Norman and Ellen Reeves. She grew up in Southern California and graduated from Valencia High School before continuing her education at Fullerton College. She later attended court reporting school, laying the foundation for a career that included work as a medical stenographer and optometrist assistant.
In high school, Charleen's talent shone brightly when she earned the Best Actor award—an early sign of her vibrant spirit and expressive nature. Her creativity extended into adulthood through countless art projects that brought joy to those around her.
Charleen married the love of her life, William "Bill" Tran, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage filled with love and partnership. Together they raised two daughters: Emily Houghton and Brook Smith. Charleen cherished her role as a mother and grandmother to Gavin and Nolan Houghton, Grant Smith, and Blake Cruz. Her family was the heart of her world.
She is also lovingly remembered by her brother Robert Richards and sister Sally O'Shea. Charleen was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.
A woman of deep compassion for animals, Charleen dedicated over two decades to pet rescue volunteer work in San Clemente and San Luis Obispo. Her boundless love for animals touched every creature she encountered. Whether traveling or whale watching along the coast she loved so dearly, Charleen found joy in nature's beauty and wonder.
Her faith was an important part of her life. Participating at Saint Timothy's Catholic Church in Morro Bay, she found comfort and community through worship.
Charleen's final wishes were fulfilled, and she is laid to rest surrounded by animals as she was in life, under a mature and beautiful Oak tree, in the forest at Lake Arrowhead.
Charleen's legacy lives on through the lives she touched—with kindness that never wavered and a spirit that remained unbroken even in the face of illness. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charleen Tran, please visit our flower store.
Charleen Tran's Guestbook
Visits: 48
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors