Charlotte Clark West

Charlotte Frances Clark West, 87, born April 30, 1938, in Miami, Florida, passed away on March 9, 2026, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Beautiful, poised, and always impeccably put together, Charlotte carried herself with a natural elegance that made people take notice while her laughter, warmth, and sharp sense of humor set everyone at ease.

Charlotte spent her childhood in Florida, lived four decades raising her family and working in North Dakota, and settled for retirement in St. Paul. She maintained strong attachments to people from all eras of her life, as well as to those special places.

Charlotte’s social work career was spent working for the county’s family services in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where she was proud to be a fierce advocate for families and children. Her unwavering belief in women's rights, social justice, and equality was a guiding force in both her work and personal life.

Charlotte had a keen eye for design. She loved to decorate and curate beautiful spaces, making every home she lived in both warm and inviting. She loved Mexican food, Bruce Springsteen, and lively (sometimes heated) conversation about current events. She knew how to elevate the ordinary, in ways we all recall fondly. She created special memories by travelling with friends and attending concerts (yes, the Boss!). Friends from Grand Forks and St. Paul gathered often over the years to sample various local restaurants and take weekend trips to Duluth as well as day trips around the state. She especially loved the towns in Minnesota's river country.

Charlotte raised five children and lovingly embraced two stepchildren. Family was the true centerpiece of her life.

Charlotte is survived by her children, Stephen West (Beth) of Franklin, PA, Laura West of St. Paul, MN, Robb Westawker of St. Paul, MN, Anne Charlotte West-Church of Northampton, MA, and Bart Church of Great Barrington, MA; her grandchildren, Jared Davis (Melisa), Steven Laird, Caitlin West, Jordan Talberg, Dylan Holck (Lydia), Luke Westawker, Madelyn West, Annie Westawker, Ava West, Sarah Westawker, and Ione Roberts; great-grandchildren Soffia and Saige Charlotte Davis; her siblings Gail Schoentag, Davida Schoentag, and David Schoentag; her dear cousin, William Eagan; along with a wide circle of cherished friends.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her mother, Wilmah Alice Garneau Clark; her father who raised her, Charles Thurston Clark, Jr.; her biological father, David Christian Schoentag; her siblings Charles Henry Clark and Carol Ann Clark; and her sons, Jan Matthew Church and her beloved first-born, Lawrence Michael West.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55105. Visitation with family will be held from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m., followed by a celebration of Charlotte's life from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Bright colorful attire encouraged!