Born on February 15, 1940, in Olean, she was a daughter of William and Elvira (Kapurski) Nenno. On July 5, 1958, in Olean, she married John Small who predeceased her on February 23, 1999.

Charlene was a graduate of Olean High School. She had worked at the Breezy Point Campground Store while camping there, a toy store, and last was the manager at the Dollar Store that used to be in the Olean Center Mall.

She enjoyed camping, scrapbooking, reading, people watching, taking side-by-side rides with her grandson to “the rocks”, and spending time with her family and grandchildren who were her world. She was famous for her potato salad at family gatherings.

Charlene was a member of the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530.

She is survived by; a daughter Shelley (Dennis) Peters of Little Genesee; her grandchildren Dustin, Tiffany (Josh), Dennis (Cecelia), Sam, Heidi, and Salena; her great grandchildren Avery, Aspen, Liam, Hailynn, Ryan, Mayson, Harper, and Ryleigh; four brothers Don (Monica) Nenno and Dave (Rosemary) Nenno, both of South Carolina, Honsey Russell of Olean, and Herm (Pam) Burrows of Shinglehouse; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend Ed Depto of Hinsdale.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a son Willie Small in 2013, a daughter Tina Small in 2009, and a granddaughter Kassie.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 554 South Main Street, Bolivar, on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 7-9 P.M. and again on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 10-11:00 A.M. at which time a Funeral Service will begin in the funeral home. Pastor Michael Peters, will officiate.

Burial will be in Bowler Memorial Cemetery, Little Genesee.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Mary M. Gooley Hemophilia Center, 1415 Portland Ave., Suite 500, Rochester, New York 14621.