Charlotte Kolenda

Born on January 12, 1927, in Greeneville, Tennessee, she left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered throughout her life of service to others. After graduating from high school, she worked for the Navy during World War II where she met Arnold Kolenda, who was a Navy member. They married in 1945 and went on to pastor churches for more than 50 years in East Hartford, Connecticut, and Winston Park Church in Coconut Creek, Florida. This included traveling throughout the United States, Europe and Israel for 12 years performing and ministering the gospel with their four children as The Singing Kolenda Family.

In everything she did, Charlotte kept God as the centerpiece of her life and her Bible was never far from her. As a member of the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Costa Mesa, California, she was always fellowshipping with other believers and sharing her unwavering faith with people who did not yet know the Lord.

Charlotte Kolenda leaves behind her beloved sister Mary Ann Norge; daughters Linda Kuhn (David Kuhn), Keren Forno, and Charlene O’Dea; grandchildren David Kuhn Jr. (Elisa Kuhn), Brooke Kuhn, Doug Clark, Amber Whitted (Sean Whitted), Christopher Forno, Shawn Forno, and Cherise Forno; great-grandchildren Logan Kuhn, Declan Forno, Andromeda Forno, and Guinevere Forno. Her husband of 66 years Arnold Kolenda, son Arnold Kolenda II preceded her to heaven.

A viewing will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, December 16, 2019, at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Mortuary in Costa Mesa, California, with a memorial service to follow at 2:30 p.m.