The Young and the Restless’s Abby had to say goodbye to her grandmother Dina when that character passed away. Now, her portrayer, Melissa Ordway, mourns the loss of her real-life grandma.
Melissa Ordway: Loving Granddaughter
“It’s with great sadness we announce that my beautiful grandma, mamae, Charlene O’Clair went to heaven on February 1, 2024,” Ordway shared on Instagram.
“Incredibly beautiful, hilarious, and fun…there was no one like her,” the actress continued. “Her laugh was contagious. At 91 (almost 92) years old, she was such a fast walker, it was almost impossible to keep up with her. She was the mother to 8 children, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to so many more. I am so thankful that God let me be your granddaughter. And I’m beyond grateful my daughters got to have such an amazing great-grandma. They loved their mamae.
“I know you’re happy in heaven with Papa and Aunt Pam and all your loved ones,” Ordway concluded, “but we sure do miss you down here. Please keep my family in your prayers as we mourn her unexpected passing. Charlene, I’ll love you forever.”
According to O’Clair’s obituary, she was born in Ashland, Maine on March 1, 1932, to parents William and Jessie (Boulier) Beaulier. She graduated from Ashland High School in 1950 and wed Gilbert “Sonny” O’Clair. They were together for 63 years until his passing in 2013. Active in her local church, Saint Mark’s Catholic Church, she was a member of Our Lady of the Snow Sodality, Eucharistic Minister along with her husband but it was her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother that she most treasured.
Ordway’s Y&R family chimes in with messages of support. “My love and thoughts are with all of you,” Kate Linder (Esther) wrote. Added Amelia Heinle (Victoria): “I’m sorry for your loss but she is now perfect and standing in His presence!! Amen.”
“So sorry to hear,” Bryton James (Devon), Ordway’s on-screen love interest, added. “All my love to you and your family.” Ordway’s TV mom Eileen Davidson wrote: “Such a light! Love you.”
“Thinking of you and your family,” warmly shared Susan Walters (Diane). Added Lauralee Bell (Christine): “Sending you love and hugs! So so sorry.” Tracey Bregman (Lauren) wrote: “Oh Mel, I’m so sorry. Sending much love to you and your family.”
Soap Hub joins Ordway’s Y&R pals in sending her sincere condolences at this difficult time.
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