MIDDLESEX-Charlene R. Bohl of Middlesex, Vermont, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026 in Burlington, Vermont at the age of 77. She was born in Columbus, OH to Charles and Winifred Bohl and grew up in Ohio and Illinois.

After receiving both her undergraduate degree and Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from the University of Wisconsin, she served the indigenous population in Wisconsin. She then moved to Vermont where, in 1978, Charlene became one of the first 100 women lawyers in VT. She taught for a while at the Vermont Law School and had a private law practice in Chelsea, VT.

Charlene had an affinity for the outdoors, including hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing. She hiked the entire Long Trail in day hikes and every “4,000 footer” in Vermont and New Hampshire. Charlene also hiked and biked around the United States, including several national and state parks, as well as across several countries, including Greece and Scotland. In her final year, she biked across Holland and enjoyed the tulips with her partner, Eric. When not traveling, Charlene loved taking her beloved dogs up a local hiking trail whenever the Vermont weather allowed.

Throughout her life, Charlene was in active service of her community. Among her countless endeavors, she served on multiple boards, including Green Mountain Club, the Chelsea Health Center, and Chelsea Playschool as well as being a member of the Chelsea Public School Parent Teacher Association. After moving to Middlesex, she served on several town boards for Middlesex. In addition, she volunteered at the AARP Foundation Tax Aide as well as helped out at Rumney Memorial School in the library and as a substitute teacher.

During her short illness, she was supported by her family and a community of friends. The family expresses deep felt gratitude for the support of these friends along with the caring and dedicated staff at the Central Vermont Medical Center and the University of Vermont Medical Center.

Charlene deeply loved her family and friends. She is survived by her two children and their families: Dana Gould of Boston, MA and Stephanie Sotkin of Salt Lake City, UT, along with her granddaughter, Hannah Sotkin, also of Salt Lake City, UT, and her partner, Eric Young of Middlesex, VT and his family. She is also survived by her brother and his family: Charles Bohl of Cedarburg, WI, as well as her cousins Heidi Lewis of Somerville, MA and John Lewis of Seattle, WA and his family.

The family plans on a Gathering to celebrate her life and honor her memory on August 8th at 1:30 at the North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier.

Memorial donations in her name may be made to the Central Vermont Humane Society, Orange County Parent Child Center, or Safeline Inc. To continue honoring her memory, her family hopes you spend some time enjoying the great outdoors with loved ones.