Charlene Elizabeth Herndon Bozarth

Charlene Elizabeth Herndon Bozarth passed peacefully at home in River Forest, IL on September 4, 2025. She was 90 years old.

Born on April 6, 1935 in Lansing, Michigan to Adeline F. and James I. Herndon, Charlene was a devoted mother, advocate, and author who touched countless lives through her work and resilience.

She graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in Lansing and went on to earn degrees from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, Michigan State University, and Western Michigan University. She was a proud member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, Beta Delta chapter.

In 1958, Charlene married Harold Lee Bozarth. Together they raised four sons: Martin of River Forest, IL; Gregory of Walland, TN; Brian of Sarasota, FL; and Theodore of Charlotte, NC. They also had a son, Matthew, who passed in infancy. She was the grandmother to Quinn and Emmi, children of Martin and his wife, Carol Anne; Madeline, also a child of Martin; Mitchell, Sarah, and Casey, children of Brian; and Matthew and Rachel, children of Theodore. She is survived by her sister, Abigail Herndon, as well as her children and grandchildren.

A polio survivor herself, Charlene dedicated much of her life to supporting others who faced similar challenges. She served as Chairperson of the Michigan Polio Network and founded and facilitated a tri-county support group for polio survivors in the Lansing area. Her advocacy work encompassed organizing, administrating, speaking, writing, and counseling across the country. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Michigan State University’s Office of Programs for Handicapped Students named her outstanding alumna of the year in 1985-86.

Charlene’s later years took her on new adventures. In 1990, she moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she lived for over 20 years before relocating to California and eventually settling in River Forest.

In 2019, at age 84, Charlene published her book Polio & PTSD: One Person’s Struggle and Triumph over the Psychological Damage of a Major Childhood Illness, sharing her story to help others navigate similar journeys.

Charlene will be remembered for her strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others overcome adversity. Her legacy lives on through her family and the many lives she touched through her advocacy work.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adeline and James Herndon; her husband, Harold; and her infant son, Matthew.

A private memorial service will be held.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options in Schiller Park, Illinois.