Charlotte L Freeman

One of 14 children of pioneer parents, she grew up on a mixed prairie farm. In 1948, the family purchased an orchard and moved to Oliver, BC. One of her many written memories describes how excited they all were to finally experience indoor plumbing in their huge new home in Oliver!

Charlotte worked at the packing house in Oliver until her move to Vancouver, where she worked as a waitress. While living in Vancouver, she met and married George Freeman, RCN. All three of their daughters were born in different places: Laura in Vancouver, Janice in Victoria, and Barbara in Halifax.

She recorded many memories—some in tiny notes attached to photos, newspaper clippings, or gifts, others in tiny notepads where she wrote down random thoughts, bits of wisdom she heard or read and, always, every cent she earned or spent on anything. Want to know what she earned from Eaton’s on June 3, 1972? We can tell you!

Living in a military family meant Charlotte moved from west to east coast and back again, eventually settling down in Victoria. She worked at Eaton’s as a sales representative in the candy department starting in 1961, and after her divorce, moved to cards and candles. She was a valued employee, evidenced by the many letters of appreciation she received (and kept!). Charlotte purchased a condo, met her partner Daryl Jenkins, and again enjoyed travelling and following the Canadian golf tour. With the help of her daughters and good friends, Charlotte was able to live independently in her condo, and enjoyed happy hour every day at 3 o’clock, drinking one Iron Horse beer. (Never more than one!)

She always kept busy and enjoyed dancing, bowling, gardening, card playing, scratch tickets, and crafts. She was a familiar face at markets, where she made many new friends. Everyone loved her pickles, jams and jellies. Close friends and family have a lifetime supply of her knitted cotton dish cloths! Growing up during the depression meant that Charlotte could stretch a dollar, and she always did! Nevertheless, she loved going to the casino, but she always played for low stakes and left when she was ahead. She was the pioneer of recycling when recycling wasn’t popular and passed that value on to all three daughters.

Charlotte was predeceased by her parents Jacob and Julia Mattes, brothers Ed and Jack, sisters, Alvina, Beth, Kay, Mary, Gertie, Helen, and Donna.

Charlotte is survived by sisters Emma, Olga, Doreen and brother Bill. Daughters Laura (Sheldon) of Lloydminster, AB, Janice (Herb) of Winnipeg, MB, and Barbara (Grant) of Victoria; grandchildren Kimberley (Scott), Robyn (Lyle), Ian and Andreas; step-grandchildren Tyler and Allan; great grandchildren Keegan (Jordan), Drayden, Jacob, Brianna, Oliver and Benjamin.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on October 20, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. for family and close friends.

Charlotte’s family wish to thank the staff at Victoria General hospital for their compassion and understanding during this difficult time.

Donations in Charlotte’s memory may be made to Our Place Society.