Charlotte Abruzino was a loving, optimistic and devoted individual. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Charlotte, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Charlotte really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.
Her parents were Walter and Eugenia Madura. Charlotte was raised in Chicago, Illinois with her two siblings, Bobby and Buddie. Even as a child, Charlotte had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. She couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention.
Charlotte enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of her friends and acquaintances having a good time. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. She was very intelligent and took a special liking to studying English and Math. Charlotte’s most memorable school achievement included The American Legion Student of the Year Achievement.
Charlotte’s inner strength and easy going personality allowed her to continually develop new relationships, ever widening her circle of friends. Charlotte utilized her interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, her best friend was Pat Senk. Later in life, she became friends with Vera, Dorothy, Alice, Joannie and all of the girls at the card club. Charlotte loved sharing life and having her home filled with people she knew.
On July 8, 1950 Charlotte exchanged wedding vows with Anthony Abruzino at Presentation of Chicago, Illinois. Charlotte was a devoted wife to Anthony as they built their life around family and love.
Charlotte was blessed with three children, two daughters, Laura and Patti, and a son, Phil. She was also blessed with seven grandchildren, Danny, Jonathon, Anthony, Amy, Nicolette, Philip and Michael. Charlotte had the ability to focus her attention on the present moment. If she was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of her attention was directed. Charlotte was very proud of her grandchildren and the accomplishments they achieved. Whether it was a sporting event, dance recital or getting good grades on a report card, Charlotte was their biggest fan. One other family member Charlotte loved deeply was the family dog, Schultz. Even though his behavior was often mischievous and frowned upon by others, Charlotte still loved Schultz. For 16 years, Schultz knew Charlotte was truly his best friend.
At work, as in life, Charlotte was a real “people person ” and had a great work ethic. She was a hard worker and devoted employee. Charlotte instilled the quality of hard work in her children and praised those who worked hard at what they did. She had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and her enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. When dealing with various projects and problems, Charlotte was a realist, using her common sense and trusting her experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Charlotte's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around her to see Charlotte as an excellent problem solver. Her primary occupation was as a receiving clerk at Jewel grocery store. She was employed for 40 years at Jewel.
Charlotte enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite way to pass the time was to play cards, shop (always looking for a bargain) and watch TV. Charlotte was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.
Charlotte was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were football and baseball.
Charlotte’s devotion to her faith was evident in the way she lived her life each day. She never spoke badly of others and was always there to help out a family member or good friend. Her strength and unconditional love were qualities others most admired.
She loved to travel and to visit new and different places. She was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. Favorite vacations included Las Vegas, Arizona, Florida, Michigan and a cruise.
Charlotte believed that you had to experience life, and her life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived in 2006, Charlotte took it in stride as one more way to have fun. With her boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, Charlotte remained busy with people and projects. In retirement, she found new pleasure in playing cards and bingo, and going on vacations. Even in retirement, Charlotte continued to stay in touch with her old friends. Charlotte continued to enjoy witnessing the many joyous events of her grandchildren and nieces and nephews whether it be a wedding or arrival of a new baby. Her unconditional love for her immediate and extended family was a testament to how Charlotte lived her life. She was a wonderful presence in so many people’s lives.
Charlotte passed away on December 12, 2009 at Elmhurst Hospital. Charlotte succumbed to a stroke. She is survived by her children and grandchildren. Services were held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, December 15, 2009. Charlotte was laid to rest in Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
Charlotte brought joy to all of those around her. She never had a mean bone in her body. She loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for all of her activities with her friends and family. Charlotte Abruzino lived life to its fullest and made everyone around her happier just for knowing her. She will be remembered with a smile.
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