M. Miriam Charlton

LEWISTON – M. Miriam Charlton, 87, a beloved resident of Leeds, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, following a brief illness. Born May 15, 1937, in West Roxbury, Mass., she was the daughter of Gordon N. Ryan and Agnes E.C. (Clara) Nicholson Ryan.

Miriam attended school in Massachusetts and, after her family moved to Maine, continued her education at Monmouth Academy. On Sept. 5, 1958, she married the love of her life, James Charlton, with whom she shared 52 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on August 10, 2011.

Miriam dedicated many years of her life to working as a cook at Leeds Central School and SAD #52, where her culinary skills and warm personality left a lasting impact on students and staff alike. Later, she worked at Progressive Distributors in Winthrop. Active in her community, she was a member of the Tri-Corner Athletic Club, the CB Club, and the 12 Hour Social Club, where she built many cherished friendships.

Miriam had a deep passion for baking, particularly decorating beautiful cakes for family weddings and birthdays, creating lasting memories for her loved ones. Her family enjoyed countless joyful gatherings and vacations, which she lovingly orchestrated. An avid gardener and painter, she found joy in nurturing her plants and expressing her creativity through art. Traveling to visit family brought her immense happiness. Her greatest happiness was finding joy in the accomplishments of her grandchildren and spending precious moments with them, cherishing every opportunity to share in their lives and create lasting memories.

Miriam was a faithful woman who knew God and loved living her life guided by His love. Her faith was a source of strength for her, and we hold onto the hope of eternal life that she believed in. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

She is survived by her eight daughters, Jamie Freeman and husband Vincent of Turner, Joni White and husband Donald of Greenwood, Juni Charlton of Blue Hill, Jeani Preszler and husband Timothy of Magnolia, Del., Judi White and husband Roy of Leeds, Jodi Loonan and husband Sean of Queensbury, N.Y., Jena Millette and husband Eric of Auburn, and Jill Charlton Reed and husband Corey of Barnegat, NJ; her son, James E.A. Charlton of Leeds; 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; her sister Cathy Chadburn and husband Paul of Leeds; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Gordan and Clara; her husband, James; her daughter Juli Corkum; her grandson Cody James Charlton; great-grandson Alexander Joseph Lagrange; brothers John, Bob, Thomas, Charles, and Richard Ryan, and sister Claire Ryan Hannon. Miriam’s legacy of love, creativity, and community will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: http://www.finleyfuneralhome.com

Funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25. at BRAGDON-FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 707 Main Street, Monmouth, Maine. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Interment St. Peters Cemetery, 217 Switzerland Road, Lewiston, Maine.