Charlotte M. (Abood) Tavares

73, formerly of Pawtucket, passed into eternal life on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at Rhode Island Hospital after a month-long battle with COVID-19. She was the devoted wife of Alan Tavares for 44 years. Born and raised in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Joseph B. and Susan (Thomas) Abood. She was the loving sister of the late Paul Abood and Ann Scorpio. 

Charlotte was a 1964 graduate of St. Mary’s Academy of the Visitation. She completed her Undergraduate Degree in Secondary Education from Rhode Island College and Masters Degrees in Guidance and Secondary Administration from Providence College. Charlotte began her teaching career in the Providence Public School Department as a History Educator at Mount Pleasant High School in 1969. She was fondly known as “Miss Abood” and was an active moderator in athletics and clubs. After 21 years in the classroom, she was appointed Assistant Principal at Classical High School in 1990 until her retirement in 2004. For anyone that knew “Mrs. Tavares”, she was a firm, fair, and consistent administrator with her colleagues and students. After her retirement, she continued to work with youth as an Administrative Liaison at Lincoln High School and Retired Administrator at Harry Kizirian Elementary School and Hope High School until 2019. Her fifty years of dedication to public education is a testament to her vocation of mentoring students with a deep care and concern for their individual success.

Besides her devotion to education, Charlotte was also known for her volunteer work and competitive spirit on political campaigns at the local and state level. She was appointed as Chairperson of the Board of Canvassers in Pawtucket and served for twelve years. In addition to her political service, she participated in many city-wide committees and initiatives. Always the educator, she especially enjoyed working on the Juvenile Hearing Board that mentored adjudicated youth in collaboration with the Pawtucket Police Department.

Charlotte was the loving mother of Alana D. Parenteau and her husband David of Smithfield and Jessica L. Buzzelli and her husband James of Charleston, South Carolina; grandmother of David Alan, Alyssa Ann, Maddalena Grace, and Caroline Rose whom she adored; dear sister of John Abood and his wife Sharon of Providence. Charlotte Tavares devoted her life to others; she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin. Friendship with Charlotte was true, loyal, and life-long. Her smile and generous spirit was known both near and far by everyone who had the pleasure to meet her even for just a moment.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 between the hours of 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. George Maronite Church,1493 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI.  A Celebration of Life will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 10:00 am at St. George Maronite Church. Seating will be limited. Masks must be worn. Social distancing will be observed.  Mass will be livestreamed: Visit- https://www.facebook.com/stgeorgemaronitecatholicchurchRI/  for anyone that wishes to join from afar. Her burial in St. Ann’s Cemetery will be private. Charlotte was a devout Catholic who was involved in and supported many Catholic Charities. She was an active member of her church acting as a member of the Holy Rosary Sodality. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to honor her Lebanese heritage, at St. George Maronite Church, 1493 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI  02920.