Charlene Belshaw, aged 81, passed away on November 4, 2025. She was a resident of Colorado Springs for 55 years and was formerly a resident of Marshall, Minnesota. Charlene was a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at Mankato State College and came to Colorado Springs and worked at Brady’s Psychiatric Hospital until chronic fibromyalgia made it impossible to continue work.
She was born on March 31, 1944, to Frank Belshaw and Verna (Marks) Belshaw in Marshall, Minnesota.
Charlene was fond of cross stitch. She also enjoyed other crafts and games and had an appreciation for music. Charlene played the organ and trumpet and sang in the Lutheran church in Milroy, Minnesota where she graduated from high school. She sang in the Chancel Choir at First United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs where she belonged for many years and volunteered in the music department. Two of the highlights of that period were when the choir toured and sang in England/Scotland and again later in Germany. As the large chancel became too difficult for her to manage, she transferred to Pikes Peak Methodist Church (later became Westside Global Methodist church) where she participated in the choir until earlier this year. Charlene also loved cats. Her last Siamese cat, Quinn, whom she doted on, has been successfully adopted through A Safe Place for Pets.
She is survived by her sister, Janice Kim; her niece, Cathryn Kim Taylor; nephews: Jon Kim and Jay Kim; great-grandnieces and nephews; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents.
An interment service will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, December 10th at the Bell Tower Columbarium at First United Methodist Church, 420 North Nevada Ave.
Memorials in Charlene’s name may be made to the Chancel Choir, First United Methodist Church: 420 North Nevada Avenue or Westside Global Methodist Church, 701 N 20th Street; or A Safe Place for Pets: www.safeplaceforpets.org
I always enjoyed talking to Charlene at PPUM Church & Westsde GM Church over the years and seeing her smile on her face. And talking to on the phone too. And hearing her story she told too. And hear about her about her cat too. Charlene will be missed.
I am a high school classmate of Charlene’s. I visited her several times when she resided on Colorado Ave and she wrote me twice a month while living there but she had to move when that residence flooded. I lost track of her after that as all of her belongings were moved to Denver, why I do not know! She sent me her new address in Colorado Springs, but I never heard from her after that. I often wondered what happened to her beautiful cat, Quinn. Am wondering if she recently became ill, if she was hospitalized, but have no one to ask. Hopefully her sister and family were with her or were able to attend her Memorial Service in December. I only found out about her passing today, January 9, 2026.