Charlotte Retzer

CHARLOTTE RETZER Charlotte Retzer, 78 of Chico, passed away peacefully in her home on February 28th, sur-rounded by her family. Charlotte was born on November 20th, 1936 in Santa Maria, CA to her loving parents Charles and Evelyn Elston, both teachers. Most of her childhood was spent in San Luis Opispo where her father taught at Cal Poly. Charlotte excelled in school, and at having fun. She was a life long beach lover, and spent many days with her high school friends at Avila Beach. In 1954 she graduated from San Luis High School and headed off to college at USC, her father's alma-matter. There she met many life-long friends living with her sorority sisters at Tri Delta. While home from college on Spring break, Charlotte met her husband-to-be, Bill Retzer, a Cal Poly student at Avila Beach. After graduating from USC she immediately began her career as a Kindergarten teacher. The couple lived in Idaho and the Bay Area where Bill began his real estate career. Charlotte continued to teach. In 1961 the couple moved to Chico, CA where they soon met many wonderful friends. Passionate about helping children, she was very involved in the Rock-a-Bye chapter of Children's Home Society. In 1964 they were ecstatic to welcome their first child, Kurt, soon to be followed by Karl, Kristen, and Kathryn. Charlotte was a born mother, and devoted her life passionately to this, her highest role. She nurtured her children, and they in turn adored her. A creative and artistic person, Charlotte worked at Vive la Difference, in downtown Chico. She later started her own design business which she truly enjoyed. Charlotte and Bill divorced, but remained friends and were overjoyed to celebrate the achievements and joys of their four children and the births of their 11 grandchildren! For each and every one of them Charlotte has been an unwavering source of support and love. Charlotte lived a life centered on family, faith and fun and was enthusiastic about travel, adventure, and celebrating life. She enjoyed trips to Greece, Italy, Mexico, and Hawaii and annual family trips to Avila. She loved playing bridge, knitting, and her Ladies Night Out and leaves behind many true friends. She is survived by her brother Dennis Elston of San Miguel, CA and his wonderful family, her four beloved children: her son Kurt, who was her devoted caregiver, son Karl, daughter, Kristen (Matt) Lucena, and daughter Kathryn (Michael) Specchierla and her 11 grandchild-ren. They will all miss her dearly and try to honor Charlotte by living their lives by her loving example. A funeral mass will be held at Our Divine Savior Catholic Church on Saturday, March 7 at 10am. She will then be laid to rest beside her parents at Los Osos Memorial Park, near San Luis Obispo on March 16th at 10 am. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Boy's Town USA. Arrangements are under the direction of Brusie Funeral Home Chico, Ca. and online condolences can be sent to the family at http://www.brusiefh.com