Charlotte Katherine Fitzpatrick

Charlotte Katherine Fitzpatrick nee Amm, age 90, born February 8, 1921 in Solingen, Germany, passed away on June 23, 2011 after a short 2 week illness. Charlotte’s wishes were carried out without incident and she was content, comfortable and happy to be in her own home, when she took her last breath, surrounded by her family.

Charlotte was a member of the greatest generation. Raised by a widowed mother who was an English teacher, she grew up speaking English and German, later learning French and Spanish. Her father died when she was very young from WWI lung injuries caused by the horror of gas warfare. She grew up during the rise of Hitler and survived the Depression and WWII. Her stories of hunger, poverty, and bombing raids and other cruelties of war conveyed to her kids and grandkids a firsthand perspective of our history and heritage. In particular, she taught us to not blindly accept government pronouncements without a critical eye, especially those leading us to war. She lived the horror caused by the “my country right or wrong” mentality.

After the War, her English skills landed her a job as an interpreter for the US occupation forces. There she met her now deceased husband John (Jack), an Air Force military intelligence officer. They fell in love and she became a war bride. She was the loyal military wife and mom moving the family every couple of years to places like France, Germany, South Dakota, Illinois and California, where Jack retired to Ventura in 1961. Charlotte worked for the State Employment Development Department, Farm Labor Division, until retirement in 1986. She loved her job of helping people find jobs or training and helping employers find workers.

Anyone who knows Charlotte can attest to her sharp mind and astonishing memory which she retained up until the end. She loved being German and loved her German circle of friends. She was a long time member of the Ventura Rheinland Club and enjoyed Maria’s German meals and weekly card game in Ojai. She loved garage sales. She also loved her neighbors Lu, Doris, and Harold. She loved Midge, Cameron and Brenda. Her sister in law Rosemary, cousin Marilyn and cousins in Germany also received her love. She loved her two children. Finally, she adored and loved and doted on her grandkids, making sure they all had good teeth and opportunity for education!

Charlotte is survived by her daughter Debra Kekaualua, who has lived 40 years in Hawaii with her husband Punohu Jr., two sons Punohu and Pohakukauea, 8 foster-sons, and great grandson Konea Ola Loa Ea, all of Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii. Charlotte is also survived by son Brian, wife Dale, their daughters Sarah, Maureen, Kelly and Caitlin all of Ventura. Finally, Charlotte is leaves behind her very best friend forever Gudrun Mollman of Ventura.

A memorial service will be held Saturday July 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at Charles Carroll Funeral Home, 15 Teloma Dr., Ventura, 93003

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Salvation Army, Charlotte’s favorite Charity.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Charles Carroll Funeral Home. 805-642-8134.