Charlotte B Tracy

Born to Percy and Sue Staffelbach in Chico, CA on June 22, 1923: Charlotte passed peacefully on August 16, 2011. She was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves behind her brother Reid Staffelbach of Indiana, sister Barbara Godbolt of Colorado and sister Donna McDougal of Oregon. She also leaves her children, Connie Woodruff of Fair Oaks, Sharon Nieman of Sacramento, John Tracy of Rancho Cordova and Mary Johnson of Irvine, CA: her grandchildren, Susan Brown, Robert Woodruff, Barbara Woodruff; Steven Jones; Kramer, Kyler, Kolby and Kameron Johnson; Michael Tracy; and her great- grandchildren William and Elle Woodruff and Joshua Brown.

Charlotte earned her teaching credential at Chico State. Always a leader, she was president of her sorority and the first female president of the Chico State student body. Over a teaching career which spanned four decades, she taught students for the North Sacramento School District. She was a tireless educator: her students came first. She was also a mentor to both new and experienced teachers alike.

She also inspired multiple generations of students and was an advocate and leader in the educational community.

Charlotte's retirement was filled with opportunities to learn and continue helping others. She volunteered at the Sylvan Oaks Library, the American Cancer Society and at her beloved Hazel Strauch elementary school.

Charlotte was an avid reader and historian. She passed on her love for literature and history to her students, friends and coworkers and family namely, her grandchildren. She also enjoyed creating and giving beautiful needle point works of art. Going to the symphony was a regular activity and listening to classical music was a daily pastime. Charlotte's presence will be deeply missed: she instilled laughter, kindness, a generous heart and a tremendous love of learning. Her legacy will live on in her children and students.

Family and friends are invited to a "Celebration of Charlotte's Life" at the Hazel Strauch elementary school (3141 Northstead Drive, Sacramento CA 95833) auditorium on Saturday September 17th from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Foundation or the Sylvan Oaks Library in Carmichael.