Charlene "Mamie" Binder

Charlene Binder passed away peacefully March 09, 2025, at The Shepherd Premiere Senior Living facility in Harvard, IL.

She was in the care of the dedicated loving staff at Shepherd Premier and also the wonderful Hospice team Transitions. She loved the companionship, friendships and the active lifestyle at Shepherd. What started out as a temporary rehabbing journey turned into four year long lasting home. She was very happy there.

Char was 90 years old and was born in Chillicothe, OH. She was raised on a farm in Southern Ohio before relocating to Harvard, IL, following family that had settled in Harvard. This is where she met the love of her life Norman E Binder. They were married July 18, 1962, at the Methodist Church in Chemung, IL. Celebrating 48 years before Norms passing in 2010.

They raised two daughters Devora Lee (Chris Condon) and Kirsten Lee (Chris Cooper). She was a certified cosmetologist graduating from Rockford beauty school. Both her daughters followed in her footsteps attending the same school. Pretty easy to get your hair done in the Binder home. After graduating, she modeled hair for 20 some years while working for some of the top Stylists in the industry. Vidal Sassoon and Jeri Redding just to name a few Extensive travel, and deadlines didn't stop her from running her own salon in Harvard. The family would joke that they never knew what color or style mom would return home with after a show. Char was in good health and always on the move. Some of her hobbies were raising Poodles, any animal or critter that would wander her way with a special affection for birds. Countless hours of gardening and caring for her flower beds. Char ran the household while her husband (Norm) worked locally at Dean Foods 44 years before retiring in 1997. She was a little bit feisty, independent and spirited.

She was preceded in death her husband Normen E. Binder, parents Myron and Mamie Assman, sister Lolita Holdner, and brother-in-law Larry Holdner.

Char and Norm will be laid to rest with military honors in the state of Colorado (Fort Collins) .  Her husband’s second love in life. Thank you to her special friend Laura Ramsey for always being there for Char. She was Loved by many and will be missed by all. In lieu flower any donation to ASPCA would definitely bring a smile to her face.

There will be a memorial gathering from 2 – 4 PM Friday, April 11, 2025, at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard IL 60033.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.saundersmcfarlin.net.

Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home for more information at 815-943-5400.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.