Charlotte Tietjen

Charlotte grew up in the New Haven area (mostly in East Haven). She was Lutheran but not extremely “religious”, she never swore, didn’t appreciate foul language and disliked movies containing “bad words”,

Forced to leave school at an early age to earn money for the family, she later went back to earn her GED – something she was extremely proud of.

“Charl” had the remarkable ability to remember a person’s name after only meeting them once. She was blessed with many friends, especially “The 80’s Ladies” who got together regularly for coffee, discussing “the old days”, current events and having lots of laughs well into their 80’s and 90’s

She worked at SNET (first as an elevator girl, where she met and married her handsome lineman husband). She also worked at Dee’s Department Store and retired from North Branford Intermediate School maintaining those cherished friendships.

She had many favorite sayings including; “It is better remain silent and be thought a fool then to speak and remove all doubt” and “Boys with little muskets should stand closer to the line”.

She loved growing things (flowers, vegetables, trees) and definitely had a “green thumb”. She loved sitting in the sun but saw the benefits of a good rainstorm. She liked to read but also would stay current by watching David Muir and Jeopardy every night. She was given a wall map of the world so she could find the places they talked about on the news. She was interested in space and what our astronauts were doing. She loved baby’s and toddlers. She loved to dance and enthusiastically enjoyed a good (seafood or grilled steak) meal. She was fond of nicknacks, tchotchkes, jewelry and furniture – the more the better – we counted 11 lazy Suzan’s in the kitchen.

She loved the house in North Branford that Harry built by himself, by hand, but also grew to like her little cottage in Westbrook and all her IVBA neighbors. Her dance card was always full at our beach parties!!

She was always smiling and had a sunny and positive outlook. She loved to laugh and enjoyed a good clean joke. At her last cardiologist appoint she demanded “Well, will I live to be 100?”.

When her GP recently asked “Do you smoke?” she quipped (with a straight face) “No, I Vape!!”

Lastly, and above all else, she loved her children and grandchildren.

Charlotte was predeceased by her husband Harry Fred Tietjen who passed away in 1999.

She is survived by her three children, Russell David Tietjen of Higganum, Debra Diane Tietjen-Smith of Westbrook and Kurt Tietjen of North Haven, spouses/significant others, four grandchildren, Kurt Aaron Tietjen, Autumn Ashley Tietjen, Austin Harry Tietjen and Garrett William Smith, special grandniece Madeline, other family members and many friends.

A simple celebration of her life will be planned for the spring. Donations can be made to the Westbrook Visiting Nurses and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.