Charlene Leopold Gaspar, R.N. who became a Methodist pastor

Charlene Leopold Gaspar, 68, a registered nurse who became a pastor of Methodist congregations in Narberth, Radnor, and Gladwyne, died Sunday, June 17, of complications from diabetes at her home in St. Davids.

Mrs. Gaspar was a retired elder with the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church.

She grew up in Cheltenham and graduated from Cheltenham High School in 1962 and from the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Philadelphia in 1965.

As a registered nurse, she worked in the obstetrics unit at Presbyterian Hospital until the late 1970s, her daughter Rebecca said.

She then worked in the family medicine unit of Bryn Mawr Hospital to the mid-1980s, her daughter said.

During summers from the early 1970s to the early 1980s, Mrs. Gaspar also worked as a nurse at Camp Innabah in Spring City.

In 1988, she earned a bachelor's degree in health administration at Eastern University and, in 1992, a master's in divinity at the seminary of Eastern University, now known as Palmer Theological Seminary.

After serving as pastor of Gladwyne United Methodist Church from 1991 to 1993, Narberth United Methodist Church from 1993 to 1999, and Radnor United Methodist until 2001, she returned to be the pastor at Gladwyne from 2001 to 2005.

She also was director of the extension ministries at Narberth Adult Care Center in 2000-01.

Besides her daughter, Mrs. Gaspar is survived by her husband of 47 years, Ruben C.; a son, Ruben C. Jr.; a daughter, Jennifer; four grandchildren; and a sister.

A memorial service was set for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 23, at Wayne United Methodist Church, 210 W. Wayne Ave., followed by lunch there. Interment is private.