Charlotte M. Gottschalk Boyce

Charlotte M. Boyce was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Charlotte was born on August 8, 1925 in her childhood home on Martin Avenue in Homewood, Illinois. She was the daughter of Henry and Ellen Gottschalk. Charlotte grew up in Homewood, Illinois.

Charlotte was raised with three brothers and one sister. She had two older brothers, Harry and Donald, one younger brother Roy and one younger sister Lillian. Charlotte was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Charlotte had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. She was a Girl scout. However, to Charlotte, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

A typical teenager, Charlotte had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Thornton Township High School in 1943. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. She was remembered by her classmates as being a swell classmate and that she had a "peaches and cream" complexion.

Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Charlotte enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. While growing up, one of her best friends was Mary Jane.

On December 26, 1959 Charlotte exchanged wedding vows with Everett Walter Boyce at St. Paul Community Church of Homewood, Illinois. Empathic and loyal, Charlotte was committed to making her new family happy.

Charlotte worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Charlotte was blessed with three children, two daughters Susan & Judith and one daughter by marriage, MaryAnn. Another blessing for Charlotte was the gift of six grandchildren, Timothy, Carrie, Quintin, Jimmy, Jonathan and Tristan.

Fortunately, Charlotte enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Charlotte worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was registered Nurse. She was employed for 43 years in the Navy and various hospitals throughout the country. Charlotte always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Charlotte was a Navy veteran. Through her hard work, she achieved the rank of Lieutenant. Her fellow soldiers viewed her as a sister in arms and knew that she was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Charlotte found pleasure in sports. Charlotte was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so. Tops on her list were hockey, baseball and basketball.

Charlotte enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, an Alaskan cruise and traveling through Europe.

Charlotte was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Little Bit, an adorable gray cat. They were best friends for 16 years. Her family was rounded out by her other cat, Kiki and two dogs Lady & Prince.

When Charlotte’s retirement finally arrived in 1990, she was well prepared. Even in retirement, Charlotte continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Charlotte was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Charlotte passed away on May 31, 2010 in Newport Beach, California. She is survived by her children; MaryAnn, Susan and Judith, her grandchildren; Timothy, Carrie, Quintin, Jimmy, Jonathan and Tristan, her brothers; Harry and Roy and sister Lillian.

Simply stated, Charlotte was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Charlotte leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Charlotte M. Boyce.

Services will be held on Friday June 4, 2010 at 12:00 noon in the Westminster Memorial Park Main Chapel, with a graveside service to follow also at Westminster Memorial Park. Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminster, CA 92683. (714) 893-2421