Charmian L. Guarino
Obituary

Charmian Guarino, beloved mother, wife, and friend, passed away peacefully in Pasadena, California, on September 5, 2025. She is survived by her daughter Teri Deimel and her husband Mark; her son Albert and his wife Julie Hassel; her son Wescott and his wife Maral; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren, with more on the way. She was predeceased by her husband Russell Guarino and her brothers Jim and Jason Walker.

Born Charmian Louise Walker on May 14, 1931, in Belvidere, Illinois, to Henry Wescott Walker and Ruth Walker, she grew up during the Great Depression. When Charmian was a young girl, her father lost his job as an attorney, and the family relocated to Los Angeles, California where her father was able to secure work with the U.S. Postal Service. Despite lean times, Charmian remembered a happy childhood, fondly recalling growing up in LA, and riding the old streetcar system to the beach with friends.

She worked her way through UCLA and became a librarian, starting in the Los Angeles County system before serving over 20 years as a children’s librarian with the Pasadena Public Library, leading Storytime and Summer Reading Programs to foster the children’s love of books. After retiring, she served as a research librarian at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Above all, Charmian was the heart of her family. She and Russell raised their children in Pasadena after moving there in 1963. Despite her full-time career, she tirelessly supported her sons—serving as a Scout den mother, attending every game possible, and even joining them at Dodger games with their “Dodger-Pepsi fan club” general admission tickets. Though not a lifelong fan, she embraced it for them.

In her later years, Charmian faced the deepest sorrow of her life: as a young, unmarried woman, she had given her first daughter up for adoption under pressure, carrying quiet regret for decades. After accessing formerly sealed records, she reunited with her daughter Teri, who brought love, faith, and joy for the entire family.

She and Russell retired to the Monterey Peninsula in 2000, enjoying golf and the local music scene until returning to Pasadena in 2020. She loved her music, and I always enjoyed listening to her favorite smooth jazz or classical music radio stations with her.

Mom—you are unfailingly loving, strong, and the epitome of kindness through all our life's ups and downs. You made everyone you were near feel better about themselves. Your spirit lives on.