Charlotte Greene

Charlotte Greene, residing at 58-27 212 St, her home for more than 70 years, died from aspiration pneumonia at the age of 100 on Sunday morning Dec 1 at Long Island Jewish hospital in Hyde Park, New York.

Charlotte was born in New York City on March 14, 1919 to Isadore and Minna Gendel. She shared her home and childhood with her parents, identical twin sister Selma, and older sister Laura. Charlotte’s father contracted encephalitis lethargic, aka sleeping sickness during the flu pandemic of 1919 and suffered chronic symptoms for the rest of his life, so Minna supported her three daughters and disabled husband by developing a business as a seamstress and interior decorator.

Minna impressed upon her daughters the value of education and Charlotte excelled as a student. Along with her sister Selma, she was a relentless and tireless organizer and was involved in drama, debate and journalism. Charlotte was accepted to Hunter College and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1945. In later years she earned two Masters degrees, one in English and one in Library Science.

Upon graduation, Charlotte accompanied her mother and sisters to Kiamesha Lake NY where Minna worked summers. It was there that Charlotte met Henry (Hank) Greene, a handsome, athletic and accomplished musician and singer. They fell in love almost immediately got married in 1942 and lived together until May 2000, when Hank died.

Charlotte had two sons, Gregory in 1946 and Ricky in 1949. She raised them until they were old enough for her to take a position as a Junior High School Librarian where she continued until her retirement. Charlotte was no ordinary librarian. She instituted many wonderful activities for the students including the highly praised Declamation club and was a leader among her peers. Charlotte created the Sunshine Committee which existed to recognize important occasions in her colleagues’ lives and celebrate them.

After Hank, who by day was chairman of a high school health education department, started his business as a band leader and square dance caller, Charlotte was indispensable in working with him as a dance partner, and enthusiastic assistant to draw people off their chairs and onto the dance floor.

The phrases “loved by all”, “one of a kind”, and “special” have become overused and cliched, but they truly do capture the spirit and impact of Charlotte. People took to Charlotte almost immediately. They sensed her warmth and accepting nature, were charmed by her personality and moved by her generosity. Charlotte was a talker and people who knew her might smile and say that is an understatement. But unlike most people who love talking, she was a kind, loving and receptive listener. Another cliche that “she made everyone feel special” also applied to her. She was loved of course by her family but also by her students who continued to stay in contact with her for decades, her colleagues and almost anyone she randomly struck up a conversation with.

Funeral services will be at Schwartz Brothers -Jeffer Memorial Chapel at 114-03 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375 on Dec 5 at 10 AM. Friends and family will then gather at Pinelawn Memorial Park, 2030 Wellwood Avenue Farmingdale, NY 11735. Following the burial service, friends and family are invited to toast and reminisce about Charlotte at 58-27 212 St. We will sit shiva for Charlotte at the same address on Fri Dec 6 from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Saturday, Dec 7 from 3 PM - 8 PM and Sunday, Dec 8 from 12 PM to 4 PM.