Charlotte Bartels

In July of 2024, Charlotte sadly lost the love of her life, her husband Fred. She was also predeceased by her eldest son, Ernest (1998), her twin brother during the war, and later by her parents and siblings in Germany.

Charlotte will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind; her children Jim, Karin (Randy), and Ron (Elaine), nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Charlotte was born on April 06, 1932, in Freiwalde Kreis Mohrungen, Ostpreuzen (Germany), growing up during the difficult years of the Second World War. After completing her schooling, she worked in a small Gaststube, where she would later meet Fred, the love of her life. Fred had immigrated to Canada in 1951 to pursue his career but returned often to Germany to visit family. It was on one of those visits that their romance began.

Charlotte and Fred were engaged on October 01, 1953. The following year, on May 05, 1954, Charlotte arrived in Halifax by ship, where Fred greeted her after driving across Canada. They were married that very same day, beginning a remarkable 70-year life together ❤️.

Charlotte and Fred settled in Edmonton, purchasing the family home that they would spend their entire married life in. Between 1955 and 1962 they welcomed four children into their lives. With passion and love, her life was centered around raising the family and keeping a home life.

The family enjoyed countless picnics, camping, and fishing trips throughout Alberta and British Columbia. The most memorable family adventure was for three long months in the summer of 1966, driving their 1965 Ford "Woody" Country Squire Station Wagon across Canada to Halifax. The family and their car embarked on a ship voyage across the Atlantic to visit with family and explore Europe.

Charlotte took on part-time employment when the children were a little older. She worked in dietary services at the Good Samaritan Hospital, and later at Woodwards Department Store downtown. She enjoyed many years in the ladies’ shoe department, proudly earning her many awards for top sales.

Charlotte had a wonderful sense of style, and she never left home without a dash of lipstick! She loved fashion and shopping and had a beautiful wardrobe with a closet full of shoes to match every outfit. Her absolute favorite was ‘animal prints’, and she had countless pieces of clothing and accessories to show for it!!

Charlotte enjoyed traveling – she and Fred made yearly visits back to Germany. They also travelled with friends to Paris, Portugal, Jamaica, Las Vegas, Texas, Hawaii, and across Canada – Vancouver, the Okanagan, and Toronto. She also enjoyed snow skiing taking many ski trips with family and friends to the Rockies.

In retirement, Charlotte and Fred were members of the seniors bowling league at Bonnie Doon for many years. They became avid golfers, joining the Riverside Seniors Golf League. Charlotte enjoyed the many golf tournaments she participated in over the years. She and Fred travelled with friends throughout Alberta and British Columbia, golfing, camping, and creating lasting memories.

Charlotte had a truly compassionate heart, full of so much love, kindness, and gentleness that she shared with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of treasured memories that will forever be carried in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Mom❤️- Loved Always & Forever