She was born on May 10, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan where she spent her childhood and early young adult years, before moving to Sterling Heights with her husband and three daughters. Although she was a homemaker for a large part of her life because her husband worked at General Motors to support their family, Charlotte worked for many years after her children were grown at a vehicle parts manufacturing company where she met some wonderful friends. During that time and following her retirement, Charlotte spent nearly all of her time with her family. Whether a holiday party or casual get together, she created a home where everyone belonged and felt welcomed. Her culinary skills excelled with Polish cuisine, especially Gołąbki (stuffed cabbage), kielbasa and sauerkraut, pierogi, and her famous potato salad. No one ever left hungry as she always made sure leftovers were taken home.
With a caring heart, Charlotte consistently donated to many charities, especially those supporting the welfare of cats. She was a devoted Catholic and attended Mass regularly at St. Malachy in Sterling Heights. She balanced this with her penchant for scratch-off lottery tickets and playing bingo. Her grandchildren will forever cherish the memories of attending bingo or the casino with her once they turned 18 years old. Gambling was not the only gaming she enjoyed; she enjoyed solitaire, word search and crossword puzzles, and family game nights which were recently restarted with her family. Charlotte’s competitive spirit usually consisted of her trying to pull a quick one on unsuspecting game players even in recent times.
Despite having a competitive edge, Charlotte would do anything for her family, large or small. Charlotte loved her daughters (and son-in-laws) and spent many days chatting with them on the phone, visiting over a cup of coffee, dining out at nearby frequented restaurants or watching her favorite teams, the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers, play on television with them. She babysat her grandchildren often, attended their numerous band recitals, plays, sporting events, church concerts, and drove them to and from school when they were younger on many occasions. She made their childhood memorable with visits to church festivals, cider mills, the movies, shopping malls, and fast food restaurants. As they grew up, Charlotte reminded them how special they were by spending time with them, sending cards for various holidays, and making sure they had a snack or treat when they stopped by her house. She taught them about their Polish heritage by taking them to different Polish restaurants in Hamtramck, showing them how to Polka, and telling them several Polish words (possibly one or two swear words…). Charlotte was so proud of each one of them and their accomplishments in life, and who they have grown up to become. Once her beautiful great-granddaughters were born, she was elated and blessed to see her legacy continue for a fourth generation. Charlotte will truly never be forgotten as her caring warmth, sense of humor, feisty spirit, and enduring love will live on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Charlotte is survived by her daughters, Christina Buck, Mary Warunek (Randy), and son-in-law Darryl Ballard. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jessica Buck, Stacey Buck, Jonathan Buck, Lindsay Cushard, and Rebecca Pace (Ryan), and her great-granddaughters Charlotte Pace, Eleanor Pace, and Skylar Cronk. Additionally, she is survived by several nephews and nieces, and great-nephews and great-nieces. Charlotte is preceded in death by her dear husband, Jan Pfeifer, daughter, Judith Ballard, siblings Marion Bugenski, Frank Pielechowski, Stanley Pielechowski, and Theresa Orzechowski, as well as her parents Stanley and Elizabeth Pielechowski.
A Visitation for Charlotte will be held Monday, April 17, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48035.
Charlotte will be lying In-State on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at St. Malachy Catholic Church, 14115 E 14 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48312.
Immediately following Funeral Service Committal Prayers will be said at Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kaul-funeral.com for the Pfeifer family.
