Charlotte R. Gonzales

November 4, 1920-

March 17, 2011

Mother, sister, beloved grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many, Charlotte Gonzales passed away on March 17th in her home in Redlands; the city she loved, served and lived in all her adult life. Charlotte was born in Garden Grove, California and moved to Redlands in 1939. She graduated from Redlands High School adult program and attended numerous classes at San Bernardino Valley College. She was a foster parent to 10 children for the scope of 20 years. Always involved with and serving her community, Charlotte found many ways to get involved. In 2004 the Redlands School Board recognized Charlotte for her valuable services for her work as a community aide; which was an enhancement to children’s education in the district. She was a PTA Presidentwith lifetime membership. She was involved in many charitable organizations. She started the Clothes Closet, worked at the Home of the Neighborly Service and Head Start. Charlotte volunteered for the Red Cross, Cancer Society, Redlands Health Services; a component of the County Health Department and was a registered pressure measurement specialist. She also volunteered for the Heart Association, March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy, Patton State Hospital, her local Dental Clinic and was also the three time president of the local chapter of the AARP. Charlotte was involved in teaching ESL Students for the Redlands School District and was active each year in the community Cinco de Mayo activities. A local children’s dance group that later became the First Ballet Folklorico was initiated by Charlotte here in Redlands. She was also pleased to arrange numerous trips for North side youths to go to Disneyland along with providing travel agent services for trips to Reno, Las Vegas, Laughlin and Oak Glen.

Charlotte initiated and organized the annual “Christmas Posadas” was pleased to witness the programs 50th year in December 2010. She also started a Rosary Group, which meets weekly to pray the Rosary.

In 1998, the prestigious “Latina of the Year” award, sponsored by the North Side Impact committee was awarded to Charlotte. A member of the former St. Mary’s Catholic Church since coming to Redlands, Charlotte served there as a member of the Altar Society and Guadalupanas Society. Since 1958, she was also a member of the Sociedad Protectora de Femenil, Arco Iris #9, Sociedad de Oro #15 and Sociedad Progresista Mexicana #8. Multiple awards and commendations from the school district, principals and teachers as well as governmental agencies were awarded to Charlotte throughout her lifetime.

In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling and considered her travels to the Holy land one of her favorite trips of all. She enjoyed dancing and anything that promoted the culture of Mexico.

She was preceded in death by her husband Salvador Gonzales and son, Bobby Gonzales. Charlotte is survived by her sisters, Tommie Gonzales of Los Angeles and Lucy Armendarez of Santa Ana, her children, Helen Garcia of Redlands, Dan Gonzales of St. Louis, MO and Gilbert Padilla of San Diego; her 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren and many loving family members and faithful friends. All who knew and loved her will dearly miss her.

Services for Charlotte will be held on Friday, March 25th at 1 PM at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 24145 Barton Road Loma Linda, California 92354 - Phone number is (909) 825-3024.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable donations be made in Charlotte’s name to their favorite charity.

Arrangements under the direction of Montecito Memorial Park & Mortuary, Colton, California.