Charlotte Gail Conner

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Grabak Sr. and Catherine Fruth (née Konradt); her stepfather, Malcolm Fruth; her maternal grandfather, Christian Konradt; her paternal grandmother, Frances Grabak Weber (née Myskey); and numerous pets – but in particular – a rabbit, Wascal, a cat, Nermal, and a “grandcat,” Gracie.

Charlotte is survived by her husband Marshall Conner, whom she married November 24, 1978; her daughter, Erin Conner (fiancé Chris Allen) of Belleville; a brother, Albert Grabak Jr. of Belleville; a sister, Marsha (Richard) Angevine of Belleville; a brother, Dennis Lewallen of Piedmont, Missouri; an aunt, Connie Grabak; nephews Chris Angevine (Sandy Watts) and Patrick Angevine (Michael Wood); great-nieces Ashley Angevine and Danielle (Nick) DeLong; great-nephews Brendan Angevine and Brendan Wood; countless other family members and friends; two cats, Sylvester and Russ; and three “grandcats,” Scout, Stevie, and Sophia.

Charlotte attended Franklin School, Central Junior High School, and Belleville Township High School West, graduating in 1970. She then graduated from Coiffure School of Beauty and was a licensed cosmetologist for many years. From 1971 to 1986, she worked as a physical therapy aide at Calvin Johnson Nursing Home. After their marriage, she and Marshall also lived on a farm, where they cared for cows, horses, and dogs. From 1992 to 2000, Charlotte was employed as a lunchroom cashier at Franklin School, but she was also a de facto teacher’s aide, room mother, afterschool tutor, and PTA officer – all of which she did without pay.

Only a few years ago, it was not uncommon for Charlotte to make the 9+ mile trek along the Belleville trails from her home to SWIC and back. Charlotte was an outstanding cook; she was particularly renowned for her green rice, mostaccioli, cherry cheesecake, and holiday cookies. Her house was incomparably decorated – both inside and out – for every holiday; she was a talented crafter, but she rarely failed to stop at a craft show.

She almost exclusively listened to classic rock and roll – particularly Elvis Presley; she saw many of the most famous artists from that era, including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, The Monkees, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Cher. She loved comedy, especially Saturday Night Live and the films of Chris Farley and Adam Sandler. She never missed an episode of The Young and the Restless.

But Erin was her world. There wasn’t a spelling bee, Young Author’s competition, science fair, sporting event, piano practice, choir or theatre performance, awards ceremony, or moot court competition that she didn’t attend. In 2000, Charlotte and Erin were selected as part of a group dubbed “The Real People,” who stumped throughout the country for Vice President Al Gore. When Erin went off to McKendree University to compete on the Speech & Debate Team, Charlotte often traveled with her (instead of having a male coach travel) to save the team money – and on more than one occasion – she and Marshall funded the entire trip. Even after Erin became a lawyer, Charlotte attended every trial. Just as she would tell Erin after a Speech & Debate round, when asked for her thoughts on how the trial was going, Charlotte would say, “Sounds good, but what do I know?” Charlotte had traveled throughout Europe in a Volkswagen van in 1977, but in 2016, she and Erin visited Poland, Czech Republic, and Austria, the former being the ancestral home of the Grabaks. Charlotte always wanted to visit Hawaii, and she and Erin finally took that trip in January 2023.

The visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22nd, 2023, at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home in Belleville, with the funeral to immediately follow.

Per Charlotte’s wishes, cremation will be accorded after the funeral with placement of cremains privately at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Belleville.

The family wishes to thank the 9-1-1 caller, the Belleville Police Department, EMS, and the staff at Belleville Memorial Hospital for doing everything they could.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Charlotte’s name to either the Belleville Area Humane Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

May her memory be for a blessing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ValhallaGardensandFuneralHome.com for the Conner family.