Charlotte Kutulas

Edwards Memorial Funeral Homes - University Place

Altogether<br/>4307 Vineland Road, Suite H-17-19, Orlando, FL 32811<br/>For more information, visit our website at <a href='www.altogetherfuneral.com'>www.altogetherfuneral.com</a><br/>Copyright © 2025 FPG Intermediate Holdco, LLC

In Loving Memory of

Charlotte Antionette Josephine (Thoma) Kutulas

Our dear Charlotte, a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, went home to rest with the angels on September 25, 2020. Charlotte lived 96 wonderful years.

Charlotte was born November 13, 1923 in Munich, Germany, the only child of Karl and Maria Magdalena Thoma. Charlotte loved sharing stories of her childhood growing up in Germany, where she hiked with her mother in the majestic country side of the Bavarian Alps, loved bike riding with her Opa and friends in Munich’s English Garden, ice skating with her friend George, and spending time with her beloved Oma, Babetta.

Charlotte’s teen years were largely shaped by WWII, and although times were tough in the midst of the war, mom and her family always seemed to find things for which they were grateful, despite times of extreme hardship. The war brought grief and heartache and was responsible for Charlotte and her family to lose so much; Onkel Karl’s life on the front line in Russia, neighbors and friends, and their own home several times as a result of air raid bombings. However, she never abandoned her faith or compassion. When her own mother lost hope during the dark days of war, young Charlotte was her bright light and rock to lean on. Charlotte always showed true strength and grit in times of adversity.

Charlotte spoke with great joy about the day the war ended. Her vivid recollections of elation gave us important insight into what it meant to her and many of the German people to have the war behind them. The prospect of a hopeful Germany was heightened when the American’s arrived in Munich to help rebuild and restore her home city. This was a milestone in her life: a peaceful and prosperous future for her beloved Germany, one in which she would forever remain proud.

During WWII and after, Charlotte worked as a courtroom stenographer. As a testament to her tenacity and professional ethics, she never missed a day on the job. This is part of a common thread of quiet excellence throughout Charlotte’s life: honesty, integrity, principles. No matter the time, place, or need, one could always count on her to be there and ready to help.

In 1955 Charlotte looked adventure in the eye, making the long journey from Germany to America. She traveled by ocean liner, passing through Ellis Island, New York and venturing even further west, making Alaska her new home. In 1955 Charlotte married and together the newlyweds settled in Anchorage and later in Fairbanks, AK. Mom shared with us that it took a “city girl” like her a couple of years to truly acclimate to life in a small town and the harsh winters, but she quickly learned to love the all the beauty Alaska had to offer. In 1960 Charlotte settled her family roots in Tacoma, WA, eventually making University Place, WA her home for over 45 years.

Charlotte was an avid reader and loved reading U.S. and European history books. She loved sharing her in-depth knowledge of history with anyone who sat down at her kitchen table to have a cup of Earl Grey tea and cookies with her. Charlotte proudly became a US citizen in 1967. She was delightfully artistic and creative which lead to her dream of becoming the proprietor of her floral and gift shop she named, The Northwest Peddler, in University Place, WA. Her design work was amazing, creating beautiful special occasion and wedding floral arrangements. When at home, Charlotte graciously welcomed friends and family over for a cup of tea or a delicious home cooked German meal. Charlotte’s special brand of hospitality always made all who visited feel right at home. Her home was cozy and beautifully decorated in traditional European flare. She loved exploring nature and gardening too. Charlotte had a green thumb like none other. During the spring and summer months, she spent hours tending to her lovely garden.

Eventually in her later years her daughters would help her plant and care for her garden “almost” as well as she did. Christmas was one of Charlotte’s favorite holidays. Her home was adorned with exquisite decorations from Germany and her Christmas tree was decorated to perfection. Charlotte also loved to tell a good joke and she loved a funny prank too. All who knew her needed to keep an eye open and be on guard, because you could guarantee she would pull a lighthearted prank on April Fool’s Day. Charlotte loved the color blue, loved a sunny day, loved to pass the time doing German crossword puzzles, loved family dinners, intrigued by all things related to NASA and space exploration, enjoyed watching Mariner baseball games, and by contrast enjoyed opera too, she was a talented crafter, loved to knit and crochet, loved a glass of Coca-Cola from time to time, although she preferred a hot cup of Earl Gray tea, she loved any reason to dress up in a fancy outfit, she was petite in stature, but big in heart. She loved and devoted her life to her family. They truly were the center of her world and she took every opportunity to let them know. Charlotte penned the best letters and greeting cards with the most memorable, loving sentiments. This was Charlotte’s delightful way to express in words just how much her family and friends meant to her. Charlotte will always be remembered for her love, her grace, her compassion, her cheerful laugh, the sweet twinkle in her bright blue eyes, her beaming smile, her listening ear, and for selflessly putting the needs of others before her own. Charlotte loved Jesus, with a faithful and humble heart.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff and nurses at Tacoma Manor Care for their compassionate care for our dear mom over the past three years.

Charlotte will be missed immensely by so many, but especially by her family who loved her so dearly. Charlotte is survived by her devoted daughters, Heidemarie Sleight (Steve), and Cecile Smith (Mitch),

her loving grandchildren Anthony Hartmann, Kirsten Locken (Mike), Evan Wallesen, and Sara Wallesen, great grandchildren Danielle Locken, and Alex Locken, cousins Fritz and Marianne Fey in Würzburg, Germany, God-daughter Monika Raven Rogers, cherished friends Rhoda Forbes-Kirk, Deborah Peters, Dan and Gwen Smith. Mom, thank you for your love, light, and joy. We love you forever and always. Rest in peace our dearest Charlotte, our Mom, our Oma.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23

Der Herr ist mein Hirte; mir wird nichts mangeln. Er weidet mich auf einer grünen Aue und führt mich zu den stillen Wassern. Er erquickt meine Seele; er führt mich auf den Pfaden der Gerechtigkeit um seines Namens willen. Und ob ich schon wanderte im Tal des Todesschattens, fürchte ich kein Unglück; denn du bist bei mir, dein Stecken und Stab trösten mich. Du bereitest einen Tisch vor mir vor den Augen meiner Feinde; du salbst mein Haupt mit Öl, und mein Becher läuft über. Gutes und Barmherzigkeit werden mir folgen alle Tage meines Lebens, und ich werde bleiben im Hause des Herrn immerdar.

Funeral Mass held on October 21, 2020, at 11:00 am at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Lakewood, WA, internment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

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Charlotte Kutulas Obituary | Altogether