Charlotte Marie Welch, affectionately known as Char, peacefully departed this life on December 2, 2023, in Satellite Beach, Florida, surrounded by her cherished loved ones. Char came into this world on March 13, 1954, in Spokane, Washington, born to Joseph and Betty Welch. She proudly graduated from Satellite High School in Satellite Beach, Florida, in 1972 and later earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from the University of Central Florida (UCF).
Char is survived by her sisters Catherine Coffman and her husband Robert Coffman of Cumming, GA, and Carol McDonald and her husband Douglas McDonald of North Venice, FL. She is also survived by her brothers Joseph Welch Jr. of Fort Pierce, FL, and John Welch and his wife Beverly Welch of East Hampton, CT. Beyond her immediate family, Char held a special place in the hearts of eight adult nieces and nephews, as well as nine great-nieces and great-nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, Joseph Welch (1993), her mother, Betty Welch (2010), and her sister-in-law, Sarah Welch (2021), the beloved wife of Joseph Welch Jr.
During the early years of her career, Char pursued various office positions before embarking on her college journey. Upon completing her degree, she found her calling as a dedicated procurement specialist and contract administrator. She contributed her talents to NASA's Base Operations Contractor, EG&G Florida Inc., at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. Char continued her professional journey with successive contractors, accumulating more than 30 years of service in support of KSC. At the time of her passing, she was a valued member of the Amentum Corporation team, with an impressive tenure of over 23 years.
Though Char was not a veteran herself, her family's military background instilled a love for travel. Her father, an esteemed United States Air Force veteran (CM Sgt) with 31 and 1/2 years of service, led the family on adventures across the nation. Char's upbringing took her to various states, including Florida (twice – PAFB Satellite Beach and Fort Walton Beach), New Mexico, New York, South Carolina, Washington State, and Hawaii.
Char possessed an insatiable wanderlust, embracing travel by car, plane, train, and cruise ship. She embarked on adventures with an open heart, eschewing strict plans and opting to go with the flow. Char treasured moments spent with her family, found solace in the pages of a good mystery novel and going to the movies. She was renowned for her unwavering commitment to celebrating family birthdays with humorous cards and heartfelt greetings. Her signature message on these cards was always "sunshine, happiness, and hugs."
In addition to her remarkable accomplishments and enduring family bonds, Char found her own slice of paradise right on the beach, where she lived for over 50 years. The soothing rhythm of the waves crashing against the shore was the backdrop to her daily life, providing a sense of serenity that she cherished. Char was a true beachcomber, and she reveled in the beauty of the sunrises and sunsets that painted the horizon with breathtaking colors. The beach was not just a place she lived; it was a part of her very soul, a source of comfort, inspiration, and tranquility throughout her life. The endless expanse of the sea served as a reminder of the vastness of life's possibilities, mirroring the boundless love she shared with her family and friends.
A relaxed celebration of Char's life will take place at Life Event Center at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, Florida, on Saturday, February 17th, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM EST. We invite you to share your cherished memories and stories with fellow attendees.
Following the celebration, interment services will be held for invited guests and family members.
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