Charlene Roberts-Hayden died May 11. She was 86

Known for her unwavering and devoted faith, Charlene is also remembered for her steadfast determination and grit, selfless service to others and her deep appreciation for life’s joys and blessings.

Born and raised in Medford, the daughter of Charles and Doris Roberts, she graduated from Notre Dame Academy 1956, before receiving her B.A. in mathematics from Boston University in 1960, where she became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Following the receipt of her degree, she pursued a career in software engineering and design with GTE Government Systems, where she was an early pioneer in the Ada programming language, a once classified coding technology developed for the U.S. Department of Defense. Like other groundbreaking but long-overlooked women of color who helped shape the fields of mathematics and computer programming, Charlene was a hidden figure and a trailblazer in her own right. She traveled globally as founder and chair and then vice chair of the Ada Technology Conference, which expanded Ada use outside of GTE and influenced modern day software and engineering systems.

Throughout her career, Charlene shared her love of mathematics, teaching and tutoring at the middle and high school levels. Relentlessly driven and resolute in her pursuits, Charlene’s passion for the intersection of technology and education led her, after retirement from GTE, to adjunct professor roles at local colleges and universities. She also continued to mentor and support young scholars as a tutor. In addition, she came out of retirement to answer the call as the director of The Archdiocese of Boston’s Office for Black Catholic Ministries.

Charlene was deeply devoted to service and volunteerism. She served in various roles at Mother Caroline Academy in Boston, taught bridge and mentored young women at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution in Framingham, led faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister at Sacred Heart Church in Newton, served on the Board for the Cottagers (a charitable organization formed and led by African American women homeowner’s benefiting their Martha’s Vineyard community), and for many years sang alongside her friends and partners in faith for the Archdiocese of Boston Black Catholic Choir.

More than anything else, she regarded her family as her greatest gift. Whether steadfastly supporting academic pursuits, bundled up for hours at the skating rink or standing in the rain at the side of a lacrosse or baseball field, she was a champion for her children and grandchildren. Her love of family was generously extended to so many close friends she deeply cherished and loved as family.

Proud mother of Robbie Hayden (now reunited), Dr. Deborah Hayden, Kevin Hayden, Esq. and Karen McAdams, she is also survived by her five grandchildren: James Hayden Hall, Ella and Sebastian McAdams, Jordan and Carson Hayden, son-in-law, Jeff McAdams, daughter-in-law, Michelle Hayden and her four nephews: Eric Robinson, Curtis Robinson, Douglas Robinson and Thomas Roberts II.

While Charlene’s career took her around the globe, her true happy place was spending time with family and friends on her beloved Martha’s Vineyard. A lifelong summer visitor, she designed and built a home in Oak Bluffs in 1991, a cherished gathering place for three generations. An expert gardener and avid tennis fan, in summer months she could usually be found tending her beautiful gardens or on the tennis court where she was revered for her fierce serve. The home, the memories that live there and those that are still to come stand as a legacy and testament to her love of summer, precious time with family, and enduring friendships.

A funeral mass was held on May 19 at St. Katharine Drexel Church in Dorchester, with internment at Oak Grove Cemetery on Medford.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Charlene’s memory to Mother Caroline Academy, 515 Blue Hill Ave, Boston, MA 02121.