Charlotte McKenzie

Charlotte was born on October 30, 1938 in St. Louis, Missouri to Gustav Sandve, an immigrant from Norway and businessman, and Margaret Detlie, a teacher. Charlotte was their only child. Her mother’s father was also an immigrant from Norway. In later years she enjoyed reconnecting with that side of the family by going to Norway and during family reunions in the Midwest.

Charlotte had a dog and learned to play the piano starting at 6 years old. She enjoyed going to summer camps. She met her future husband, Bill, in high school and they both liked Hank Williams music. She later attended Washington University and graduated with a B.A. with an emphasis on teaching. After graduating, she married Bill in 1960 and they had their first child, Margaret, in 1961 and later moved on to Colorado where her son, Jim, was born in 1964.

As a family they lived in Colorado Springs and traveled around Colorado, Missouri, and other states. Following her divorce in 1974, she worked at Goodwill for over 30 years and visited her children frequently in Denver, where she also lived from 2016-2024. Charlotte worked in housekeeping and served many people and volunteered at the Haven House for the mentally ill and at Silver Key helping seniors in Colorado Springs. She also played the piano in senior communities for over 40 years and was active in different churches, including singing in choirs and playing hymns of the faith on the piano.

Charlotte is survived by her son, Jim; daughter-in-law, Yolanda; and many cousins in the Midwest.

She is preceded in passing by her ex-husband, Bill; and daughter, Margaret. Charlotte played the piano at both of their Memorial Services.

A Memorial Service will be held for Charlotte at a date later to be determined in late January 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlotte's memory may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or to the Springs Rescue Mission.