May 16, 1929 — November 23, 2024
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, on May 16, 1929, to Frank Wszolek and Frances Ciebiera, Charlotte Pauline was the eighth and last child. She loved being the center of attention for her parents, five brothers, and two sisters. However, her siblings assigned her many tasks suitable
for a small girl, making her aware that everyone must share the household chores in a sizable family.
The children learned their prayers at home and deepened their love for Christ, Mary, and the Church at Saint Hedwig’s School, staffed by the Felician Sisters. From the sisters, Charlotte learned how special it was to help others.
After her graduation, she applied for entrance into the aspirancy of the Felician Sisters in Lodi, New Jersey, in 1943. Four years later, she entered the postulancy on July 16, 1947, and a year later, on August 12, 1948, as a novice, she received the name Sister Mary Theophille. Years later, she returned to her baptismal name, Sister Mary Charlotte. She professed her temporary vows on August 13, 1949, and six years later, her perpetual vows on August 13, 1955.
Sister Charlotte obtained a BS in Elementary Education from Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey and commenced her teaching ministry that spanned a remarkable 58 years. Sister taught the primary grades in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Her students excelled in reading, writing, and self-expression because of her exciting classroom procedures and teaching expertise. For two years, 1970-1972, she taught the first grade in Curitiba, Brazil. For 15 years, Sister Charlotte was a principal in St. John School, Waynesboro, Virginia, and in Saint Joseph School, Camden, New Jersey. While in these schools, she was also the minister of the local homes. From 1990-2008, while she taught kindergarten at Our Lady of Grace Home, Newark, Delaware, she also assumed the responsibility for the care and guidance of the girls. She was the assistant director of Saint Clare Retreat House in Mount Arlington, New Jersey for two years.
Gifted with creativity, Sister’s hands fashioned crafts and flower arrangements of exquisite quality, which enhanced the beauty of many convents. In 2010, she retired to Our Lady of Lourdes Care Center in Lodi. She continued her artistic work, decorating and beautifying many areas within the convent.
She also did artwork at this time with the clients in the “21 and Over” Program, an outgrowth of the Felician School for Exceptional Children. She had a special love for Saint Joseph and Saint Francis and made sure they were significantly honored with unique displays for all to admire.
As Sister Charlotte reflected on her religious life for her 70th Jubilee, she wrote: “I am so grateful that my mother prayed to God for me, even willing to offer me as a Spouse of Jesus. Thanks, mom! I praise and thank God for my beautiful life.”
Sister Charlotte had an engaging personality, a tremendous sense of humor, and a deep love of her Polish background. Of course, we cannot forget her enthusiastic polka dancing, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
Even during her last year of life, Sister Charlotte often made her way to the chapel from her fourth-floor bedroom so she could pray with her community in the chapel. Gently, she began to weaken during October of this year. Quietly, during the early morning hours of Saturday, November 23, 2024, she went to be with her beloved Spouse.
The funeral Mass was held on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Lodi, New Jersey. The body was cremated, and the remains were buried in the convent cemetery.
