Charles Townsend, 65
Born: Jan. 2, 1947
Died: Aug. 24, 2012

Charles Lorne Townsend, 65, of Niles, died at 8:26 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles following an illness.

He was born Jan. 2, 1947, in Evanston, Ill., to Oscar Lorne and Patricia Evelyn (Seneco) Townsend. He was graduated from Des Plaines (Illinois) High School, and moved to Niles in the early 1980s. He was a professional gardener, and had been employed at several area facilities including Saint Mary Catholic Church.

Charlie had attended Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles, and enjoyed creating gardens and teaching seniors to cultivate flowers and vegetables. His greatest pleasure was the fellowship of his neighbors for many years at the Four Flags Plaza, and more recently at Gateway Plaza.

Surviving family includes his sister, Patricia A. Townsend, of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., and nieces and nephews of several generations.

The family and friends of Charlie Townsend will gather to remember him and share some stories and prayer from 3 until 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the assistance of the Rev. Cathi Huvaere of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Charlie may be made to the donor’s choice.