Charlene Elizabeth Chando's Obituary
Charlene Elizabeth Chando passed away on August 23, 2025, at Talbot Hospice House. She was born on February 2, 1951, in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth (Grainda) Chando.
Charlene was predeceased by her identical twin sister, Christine A. Erck. Christine and Charlene will forever be known as "the twins," and it brings great comfort to know that they are together again, as they were always meant to be.
She was a graduate of Phillipsburg Catholic High School Class of 1969 and received her degree in Nursing from St. Peter's School of Nursing in New Brunswick, NJ in 1973. Over the course of her nursing career, she worked in the CCU at St. Joseph's Hospital in Towson, Maryland, the ICU at Easton Memorial Hospital, Shore Pediatrics in Easton, and the Delmarva Foundation for Medical Care. She spent the majority of her career-27 years-as a dedicated school nurse at Easton Middle School and within the Talbot County Public Schools.
A member of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Easton, Charlene was also a passionate advocate for survivors of domestic violence. She testified before the Maryland General Assembly and supported the efforts of the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence.
She found joy in quiet moments with a good book, but nothing brought her greater happiness than time spent with her grandchildren, Ella and Andrew. As their beloved "Gammie," she cherished driving them to school, hosting sleepovers, doing crafts, and simply being present in their lives.
Charlene is survived by her daughter, Katie Pittsinger, and son-in-law, Eric Pittsinger. Charlene shared a lifelong and deeply meaningful bond with her daughter. Like many mother-daughter relationships, theirs was layered-rooted in love, shaped by life's challenges, and marked by moments of both strength and struggle. Through it all, their connection remained a defining part of Charlene's life, and the love between them endures. In the final months of Charlene's life, Katie was by her side during her time in hospice, and those quiet, sacred moments together brought a sense of peace, healing, and deep gratitude.
Charlene is also survived by her son, J.D.; her sisters, Cheryl C. Komline and her husband, Christopher, and Caryl Ann Almodóvar and her husband, Juan; as well as her brother-in-law, Daniel Erck. Charlene shared a close relationship with her two surviving sisters. In her final months, they remained faithfully by her side, offering comfort, companionship, and care during her illness.
She held a special connection with each of her nieces and nephews-Alan Erck and his wife, April; Jessica Hollander and her husband, David; Elizabeth Komline; Sarah Komline; Nathanael Komline and his wife, Angela; and John Almodóvar.
Charlene is also survived by her dear friend Robin Voshell and her son, Jobie, as well as longtime friends Cindy and Chris Weinrich. She treasured her daily phone calls that kept her closely connected with her family and friends.
All services will be private.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Talbot Hospice Foundation, Attn: Emily Jackson, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601, or online at www.talbothospice.org.
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