Charlotte E. Tarrel

Charlotte Tarrel (nee Buhai) was a native of Chicago and the second of three daughters of immigrant parents. She graduated from the University of Chicago and, in 1953, she married Robert Tarrel. Their bond produced three children whom they raised in Highland Park, Illinois. Charlotte was a housewife and part-time seamstress throughout the early years of her children’s lives, but as they grew older, she chose to return to school. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education with a focus on Spanish, and later earned her master’s degree in counseling. Charlotte went on to have a rewarding career as a Spanish teacher and guidance counselor in both private and public high schools.

After retirement, Charlotte and Bob tried out leisure living in Florida, but soon sought the sunny and temperate skies of San Diego. They moved there in 1983 where they had many years of joy with friends and family. Charlotte spent the last few months of her life in Salt Lake City, Utah near to her son and daughter-in-law. She thrived at the senior living center in the shadow of Wasatch Mountains, where she was a joy to all of her caregivers.

Charlotte loved music and the arts, and she and Bob loved to travel, having done so extensively in the US, Mexico, Europe, and Israel.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Meyer and Edith Buhai, by her sister, Arlene Klapper, and by her loving husband, Robert. She is survived by her sister, Joyce Sagerman, her children, Rick (Ann), Pam, and Ron, by grandchildren, Sam (Brandi), Micah, Abby (Phil Simon), Sarina (Nima Hosseini), Max (Talia Haugdahl), and Zoe. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Ryker, Anthony, Rya, Ellie, and Ian. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, whom she loved. Charlotte lived a full life of 91 years and she will be dearly missed by the many friends and family whose lives she enriched.