Shalene Friedhaber

Chicopee – Shalene (Collett) Friedhaber, 52, of Chicopee, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Shalene leaves behind the love of her life, her devoted husband, Todd Friedhaber of Chicopee who stayed by her side every moment; her beloved daughters, Sloan and Brynn Friedhaber, both of Chicopee; her sister, Shannon Mascitis and her husband, Jack, of Ware; and her sister, Shauna Collett of Ware. She also leaves her mother, Susan Peet and her husband, William Peet; her nephews, Finnegan Demarco, Dominick Mascitis and his wife Lauren; and her nieces, Della-Jayne, Kristin, and Wren Mascitis, all of Ware. She was predeceased by her father, Thomas E. Collett.

Shalene enjoyed her annual family vacations to West Dennis Beach in Cape Cod, endless shopping trips with Sloan and Brynn, and making magical memories in Disney World – always making time to visit her mother-in-law, Louella Gallin, while down in Florida. She loved singing karaoke – her skills were unmatched, watching movies with her family, and she had a legendary competitive streak for any game she played. She possessed a keen eye for decorating, and was able to fill any space with beauty. Shalene adored Halloween and the entirety of the autumn season, and she had recently found a love of playing golf, with Todd by her side. There was no project Shalene couldn’t tackle, she was up for any challenge, especially when it came to helping the people she cared for.

Shalene was the most loving, fierce, beautiful light in this world. Her laughter and smile could light up any room. Shalene put her all into everything she did, whether it was bartending at Applebees, helping people find their dream homes, or most importantly, loving her family with her entire heart.

A friend to many, and adored by all who knew her, she will be deeply missed.

Calling hours for Shalene will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm in the Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant Street in Ware. A Funeral Mass will be held the following morning, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 10AM in the St. Aloysius Church, 64 Church Street in Gilbertville. Burial will be held in the St. Aloysius Cemetery following mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children – by mail at Attn: Shriners Children’s Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394, or online at https://lovetotherescue.org .

Charbonneau Funeral home is honored to serve the Friedhaber family.
An online tribute book is available at charbonneaufh.com