Wilma M. Charles

October 29, 1941 - April 21, 2016

Wilma M. (Foster) (Center) Charles, 74, of Beverly, died Thursday evening, April 21, 2016 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House. She was the wife of the late John P. Charles. Born in Gloucester on Oct. 29, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Nancy Foster. She was raised and educated there and was a 1959 graduate of Gloucester High School. Until the time of her retirement, Wilma was employed as a claims adjuster with the Arbella Mutual Insurance Co. She was a longtime member of the Peabody Elks, loved dancing, and for many years donated her time coaching Special Olympics, which she especially enjoyed. She leaves three sons, William A. Center IV and his wife Becky of Beverly, Lawrence Center and his fiancée Kelly Fleming of Beverly, and Michael Center and his fiancé Deidre Henry of Newburyport, three grandsons, William A. Center V, Walker Center, and Conor Henry, three sisters, Nancy Beaulieu and her husband Paul of Ipswich, Ida Foster and her fiancée Matthew Heggarty of Gloucester, and Bonnie Foster of New York, her special niece Samantha Dodge, and two nephews, Matthew and Paul Beaulieu. She was predeceased by her former husband, William A. Center III. Visiting hours are Tuesday, April 26, 2016 from 5-7PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Relatives and friends are invited. As requested, all other services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wilma’s name may be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA 01923.