Charlotte Patten Gauss

Charlotte Patten Gauss, 87, died surrounded by family in her home on August 28 in Lake Mary, Florida. Charlotte was born, with her twin sister Phyllis, in Chattanooga, Tennessee on March 30, 1935 to the late Lupton and Mary Sanford Patten.

Raised in Chattanooga, Charlotte attended The Bright School and was a member of the class of 1953 at The Girls Preparatory School where she and Phyllis were May Queens. In 1957, Charlotte received a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University in Food and Nutrition and carried her interest in nutrition into a lifelong commitment to holistic medicine. At FSU, Charlotte was inducted into the Hall of Fame. She excelled as a student, was a member of the FSU Senate, Phi Beta Phi Sorority, and the FSU Flying High Circus. A treasured family photo captures Charlotte performing in the bicycle act with Phyllis sitting on her shoulders.

Charlotte’s sojourn in this world was a testimony to the reach of love—she delighted in life, most especially her relationships. Charlotte was a devoted mother, spouse, and friend. Her generosity of spirit reached past her own kind—the menagerie of animals she befriended in life included horses, cows, squirrels, an owl, turtles, a pig, chickens, a raccoon, cats and beloved dogs. She traveled and appreciated people and places but was most content to be on the land she cherished and called home, Terra Bona. Her inviting kitchen fed and healed the bodies and souls of family, friends, and strangers who became friends. There was a room in her home and a place at her table for everyone. Her Thanksgiving table famously stretched across three rooms. Charlotte lived the abiding faith that oriented her life.

Charlotte’s legacy of love survives in her daughters Debbie Yero (Efren), Linda Welker (Jeff) and Cindy McDaniel (Peter) of Lake Mary, Florida, son Michael Whelchel (Judith) of Asheville, NC; eleven grandchildren Lauren Yero, Phillip Yero, Emily Yero, Ashlynn Welker, Kaleigh Siedel, Michael and Ivy McDaniel, Sophie, Isabel, Mei Mei, and Bin Whelchel; six great grandchildren Sylvia and Felix Arnold Yero, Madeline and August Mills, Sadie and William Seidel; her sister Phyllis Hardin, and countless precious loved ones she held dear. She is preceded in death by husbands Guy Garrett and Richard Gauss and sisters Peggy Winningham and Fontaine Moore.

The family would like to thank the dedicated health care team at Advent Health Altamonte, cardiologist Dr. Jamandas and his team, and Edith Leger, Charlotte’s devoted Senior Helper.

A memorial service is scheduled for October 22 at 1 o’clock at One Church, 1675 Dixon Road, Longwood FL 32779. Pastor Kevin Urichko presiding.