Charlotte Urwitz

As a final opus conducted in her unmistakable style, Charlotte Urwitz passed with grace at age 98 on March 11th — the same date she joined the world in 1922. Though the oeuvre of her life spans a period now in the past, the nature of it has always been well beyond its time.

Even as immigrants with no formal schooling, Charlotte’s father Harry and mother Rose Kolbe instilled the value of education that inspired her to pursue her own, at a time when that pursuit for women was uncommon. Charlotte was a math major at Hunter College and pursued higher education throughout her life at NYU.

In 1946, Charlotte’s late husband Norman Urwitz professed upon their first meeting, “You don’t know this yet, but I’m going to marry you.” The two spent 36 wonderful years together and started their own successful printing business across from the UN. Later, Charlotte served as a Grant Administrator at the Research Foundation at Columbia Presbyterian.

Charlotte was a true New Yorker. Someone who personifies the style and charisma at the heart of Manhattan’s allure, and that which is in a class of its own. For over a half-century, she engaged in all of the city’s cultural and social offerings that are as distinctive as she.

Charlotte frequented theatre, ballet, and opera. She was enamored by the architecture and collection of The Met. Charlotte dined with beloved friends at new and favorite restaurants across the East Side. To Charlotte, the importance of an evening out — and indeed, life — was the company, and the company she valued most was that of her family.

On the outside, Charlotte and her late sister Muriel Hammer could not be more different, but they shared a deep bond and loved one another dearly.

Charlotte and her daughter Carol Urwitz were each other’s best friend, prompting frequent visits to New York City with Charlotte’s son-in-law Stephen Staum and grandchildren Zoe and Noah. For Zoe and Noah, Charlotte was a second mother and a frequent companion at Forty Carrots.

Charlotte’s son Jay Urwitz always wanted to give the world to her. She is survived by Jay’s son Joe, wife Tara and great-granddaughters Cynthia, Adrienne, and Rose.

Charlotte is also survived by niece Karen Hammer and family, William and Adam, and nephew Karl Hammer and his son Sid.