Charlotte Catherine Bartolf

Charlotte Catherine (Klix) Bartolf, aged 75, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, New Jersey, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 25, 1950, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Charlotte lived a life defined by selfless service, deep faith, and unwavering love for others.

A lifelong resident of Jackson Township, New Jersey, Charlotte cherished her roots and her community. One of her happiest chapters included the years she and her husband, Bobby, spent traveling across the country together, memories she recalled often and joyfully throughout her life.

Charlotte was a proud graduate of Jackson Memorial High School, Class of 1968, where she was a devoted cheerleader for the Jackson Jaguars football and basketball teams and especially the number one fan of Bobby Bartolf, who would become her husband and lifelong companion. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University’s Douglass College and later a Master of Arts in Education from Georgian Court University, achievements that reflected her deep commitment to learning and education.

Teaching was not simply Charlotte’s profession; it was her calling. For more than 25 years, she taught at Holy Family Elementary School in Lakewood, New Jersey, a place that remained forever close to her heart. She taught many grades and subjects, most notably second grade, where she prepared hundreds of children for their First Holy Communion. Charlotte took immense pride in the fact that several of her former students went on to become priests, often remarking with quiet joy that she had taught many of them. Beyond the classroom, she volunteered with the Diocese of Trenton, helping to develop curriculum for Catholic schools, which was a testament to her belief that faith and education went hand in hand.

Charlotte’s faith was the foundation of her life. A devout Roman Catholic, she was a longtime communicant of St. Mary of the Lake Church in Lakewood, where she faithfully attended Mass each week with her family. She served her parish as a lector and Eucharistic minister, living her belief through action. During her illness, her faith remained steadfast; she spent Easter with her family watching the celebration of the Easter Mass, drawing peace and strength from God’s presence.

Family was everything to Charlotte. She was the beloved daughter of Raymond A. Klix and Elizabeth M. Klix (Scheuerle) and dedicated much of her life to caring for those she loved. Her mother lived with Charlotte and her family for 25 years, and her sister Linda also shared her home for several years—a reflection of Charlotte’s lifelong role as caregiver and protector.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Robert (Bobby) Bartolf, whose love story with Charlotte began 60 years ago when they walked to class together at Jackson Memorial High School. She is also survived by her sons, Matthew R. Bartolf and his wife Tracy of Muncy, Pennsylvania, and Scott M. Bartolf and his wife Sarah of Toms River, New Jersey. Charlotte was a proud and loving grandmother to Tyler, Cody, Luke, and Addison Bartolf, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy.

Charlotte is also survived by her siblings: sisters Mary Caithness of Magnolia, Mississippi, and Carol Burke and her husband Glenn of Howell, New Jersey; and brothers Raymond Klix of Manchester, New Jersey, and Bill Klix and his wife Carolyn of Jackson, New Jersey, and dozens of cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. She was predeceased by her sisters Cathy Mason and Linda Prestia.

Of all her many roles, Charlotte was most proud of being a mother, grandmother, caregiver, mentor, and friend. She had an extraordinary way of making people feel loved, safe, and cared for; and it is difficult to describe in words how strong a foundation she created for those she loved. She was always present for her family whether it was sending a message of encouragement, offering quiet support, or simply showing up when someone needed her. She made holidays magical and meaningful, creating traditions that her family continues to cherish and carry forward.

Charlotte was selfless, devoted, faithful, and compassionate. She put herself last, always focusing on lifting others up. Despite lifelong health challenges, she met adversity with grace, determination, and faith. What brought her peace were the simplest and purest gifts: God, her family, tending her flower gardens and watching butterflies.

She found joy in reading, walking, enjoying a cup of tea and playing games with her family. Sunday mornings were often filled with music such as John Denver playing in the background, while she made her beloved “roll-ups,” meals that became traditions of love. Charlotte cherished occasions that brought people together. Her laugh, her spontaneous singing, her funny faces, and her boundless creativity are memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Charlotte also gave her time generously to others beyond her family, volunteering with Ocean’s Harbor House, coaching sports, and helping the church, always seeking ways to assist those in need. She lived by simple but powerful lessons: love deeply, be kind, treat others with respect, help whenever you can, and remain faithful. She often asked those she loved one gentle question: “Are you happy?”—a reflection of her desire that others live meaningful and joyful lives.

In her final days, Charlotte’s concern remained, as always, for her family and their well-being—her final act of selfless love. She fought bravely, overcoming obstacles thought impossible, and in the end, she was at peace, surrounded by love.

Charlotte lived her life in service to others, embodying Jesus’ words to Peter to “feed my sheep.” She did so through her faith, her teaching, her caregiving, and her love. We now commend her to God’s eternal care, trusting in His promise that eye has not seen, nor ear heard, what God has prepared for those who love Him.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church, 1674 Old Freehold Road, Toms River, New Jersey, followed by burial at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, Honey Locust Drive, Lakewood, New Jersey. A celebration of Charlotte’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlotte’s memory to Ocean’s Harbor House.