Carlene Doucette, age 58, of Tewksbury, passed away on September 8, 2026, only six weeks after the death of her mother, whom she loved dearly and with whom she made her home for many years. Although Carlene struggled with her health for many years, she remained a fighter, and her determination to keep going never wavered.

Carlene grew up in Malden and, when she was young, was a member of the St. Therese Drill Team and Color Guard. When her years as a member ended, she stayed on as an instructor to help younger children build their color guard skills and embrace the positive life lessons championed by the corps. Carlene remained close to many of the friends she made growing up in Malden, including those she met through St. Therese.

Carlene attended Regis College, where she became part of a close-knit community and formed deep, lifelong friendships – a testament to her generous spirit and magnetic personality.

Following her graduation from Regis, Carlene devoted much of her working life to helping others and bringing people together. She began her career as a social worker for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She later brought her organizational abilities to Kronos Incorporated and then MIT, where she helped plan and coordinate professional conferences and events. Her work reflected both her ability to care for people individually and her talent for managing the many details needed to create a successful shared experience. Once again, her beautiful spirit and genuine interest in others brought many more close friendships into her life, and those friendships continued well beyond the workplace.

Carlene especially enjoyed getting together with family and treasured the occasions when her nieces and nephews were present. She was also a devoted cat lover. Over the years, she welcomed several cats from shelters into her home, giving each one a place where it knew safety, love, and kindness - and receiving that same unconditional love in return.

Carlene was predeceased by her parents, Patricia and Armand Doucette. She is survived by her brother Armand Doucette and his wife, Cathleen, of Newburyport; her sister Michelle Brown of Hopedale, widow of the late Daniel Brown; and her brother Michael Doucette and his wife, Patricia, of Hubbardston.

She was also the loving aunt of Sean and Anna (Armand and Cathleen), Bryce and Danielle (Michelle and Daniel), and Jocelyn (Michael and Patricia).

Carlene will be remembered for her love of family, her compassion for animals, and the beautiful way she formed friendships and brought people together throughout her life. Coming so soon after the loss of her mother, Carlene’s death has left her family with an absence that is difficult to put into words

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carlene’s memory may be made to ASPCA

Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 1:00PM-4:00PM. A Funeral Service will be held at the Gately Funeral Home on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 11:00AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.