born Dec. 22, 1946, died Dec. 17, 2010

Who but Charlotte could …

… make elegance seem effortless

… and grace so astonishingly genuine?

Who but Charlotte could…

… comfort those who were there to console her

… and anchor her family while embracing a whole town?

Who but Charlotte could…

…listen only through her heart

… and always speak selflessly from her soul?

Who but Charlotte could…

… trek the world’s wonders

…yet prefer a weekend at home?

Dearest sweetheart (and mom), the magnitude and suddenness of our loss is unspeakable.

Our world will never be the same without you. But our world will always be brighter, more joyous and beautiful because of you.

“When you are sorrowful, look into your heart and you shall see that you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” — Kahlil Gibran.

Our blessings now and forever: Maury, Julie and Phantom.

Join us for a memorial service Sunday, Jan. 9, 1:30 p.m., at the Crockett Barn, Coupeville.

We can talk about the time Charlotte scored 53 points in an Iowa high school basketball game. Life during and after Salt Lake City. And meet her mom, Ruth VanderWilt, Newton, Kansas; Phil and Carolyn VanderWilt, Vacaville, Calif.; Martha and Paul Ebbers, Cobbs Creek, Va.; Chas and Jennifer VanderWilt, Salt Lake City; and R.J. and Mary Ellen Tippin, Elbing Kansas.

Plus you can find out what it’s really like to be Employee of the Decade for Coupe’s Last Stand. Memorials are suggested to the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association, P.O. Box 121, Coupeville WA 98239.

P.S. There’s more information at Whidbeymemorial.com.