Charmian Gail Kohlenberger

Born in Winnipeg, Canada in 1933, Charmian moved to Southern California at the age of 13 with her brother Barry, sponsored by their Aunt Ion. She often recounted her wonder at the sunny, warm climate – a place she never imagined existed.

It was in High School in Fullerton, California, that she met David Kohlenberger, the love of her life. Their early days included singing duets in the church choir and dates on the beach. What began as a harmony in a small church grew into the incredible symphony of an amazing 71 years of marriage. They started their life together with humble means and raised four children. Charm, as she was known to her friends, was the steadfast rudder of her family, keeping everyone grounded and instilling enduring values of kindness, patience, and love. David predeceased her in death in 2023.

Charm possessed an exceptionally warm heart filled with love, compassion, empathy, and kindness that could soothe all of a child’s worries. Her true superpower, however, was her infectious laughter and joy that could erupt in almost any situation, transforming the simplest moments into unforgettable memories. She had the kind of contagious laughter that could spread even when people didn’t know what they were laughing at – on occasion leaving people gasping for air.

Her welcoming spirit led her to join the local Welcome Wagon, where she connected easily with new people moving to town. This kindness was a constant throughout her life. Even in her final months, if she found someone sitting alone – she would go over, introduce herself, and make a new friend.

In 1978, as her children grew older, she began working at Electro Letter Processing. In 1984, she joined the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), where she found some of her closest and dearest friends who became like a second family, helping to keep her laughter alive.

She found great pride and joy in her rose garden, which she cultivated with the same care she gave to her friendships – helping them grow and blossom. She did have one notable weakness, however; good chocolate, which she would often sneak with a sly grin.

Charmian is survived by her four loving children, Richard, Steve, Lisa, and Jim, and her grandson Chris. Her life was full of deep friendships, much love, and laughter for which she was eternally grateful. And even though she may no longer be with us, her family and friends know that her spirit will live on in every rose that blooms, in every shared laugh, and in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her. She will always be our lucky Charm.