Charlene Voyer

Charlene Rose Falzone Voyer, 78, of Colchester, Connecticut, passed away on August 18, 2025. Born on September 10, 1946, in Winsted, CT, Charlene led a life marked by compassion, intelligence, and a quick wit that endeared her to all who knew her. Charlene began her career at Cigna as a compliance officer, where fate led her to meet her future husband, Roger Voyer. Together, they welcomed their beloved son, Kevin Voyer, who survives her. Charlene's drive for knowledge and her deep empathy for others later inspired her to return to school, ultimately earning her Doctor of Psychology degree from Chestnut Hill College in 2006. Her groundbreaking dissertation, "Assimilation of the American Indian: The Meaning of the Boarding School Experience," exemplified her passion for social justice and cultural understanding. Charlene devoted herself to the mental health field as both a psychologist in South Hadley, Massachusetts, and adjunct professor at Temple University, Northeastern University, Saint Joseph College, and Mount Holyoke College. Her dedication lifted countless lives, and her hallmark compassion continued even during her final years at Complete Care at Harrington Court, where she became known as the unofficial therapist, comforting and counseling fellow residents. Beyond her profession, Charlene cherished British television, the poetry of Emily Dickinson, the music of Bob Dylan, concerts at Tanglewood in the Berkshires and cheering for Gronk of the New England Patriots. She found deep joy in books, poetry, jigsaw puzzles and especially in the company of her cherished cats. Her love of American Indian culture deeply informed her life and work. Charlene is survived by her son Kevin Voyer of Tampa, Fl, her brothers Richard, Charles, and Philip Falzone, and is predeceased by her parents, Charles Joseph Falzone and Arlene Bertha Phillips. She is also remembered by her lifelong friend, Patricia Porteous, of Marlborough, CT, who stood by her side with unwavering devotion. To borrow the words of Emily Dickinson, which Charlene treasured: "If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain." Charlene lived not in vain and will be deeply missed.