LaVale, MD - LAVALE [mdash] After a courageous fight with cancer, at the age of 68 on August 22, 2025, Charlene "Char" Elaine Mechem of Lavale, passed away peacefully with her partner, Tom, by her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Jessie (Bunnie) Simmons.

Char was a successful business woman and the owner of Bunnies restaurant until her retirement in 2017.

Char will be sadly missed by her partner, Thomas J. Brown, as well as Tom's children, Kelsey (Brown) Hurst; Amanda (Brown) Knepp; and Alex Brow; as well as Tom's five grandchildren. Char will also be missed by her sister, Deborah Kagle; niece, Erica Garwood (Gregory), and family; nephew, Drew Kagle (Christie), and daughter; as well as numerous cousins and friends.

Charlene was born in 1956 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Her family moved to Cumberland when she was five. She was a very talented artist and her work was exhibited at venues including Upcycled Studio. She was also a featured artist at Cumberland Theatre.

She and her partner, Tom, enjoyed traveling, gardening, and sitting around the fire pit in the evenings with family and friends. Char and Tom enjoyed many wonderful years together.

At Charlene's request, no service will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.