Charlotte Annette Austin

Charlotte A. Austin (nee Ritchie), age 100, of Hockessin, DE (and formerly of New York City for 52 years) died peacefully with family at her side on November 21st, 2023 at her residence at Cokesbury Village,  Hockessin, DE.

Charlotte (also known as Charlotta and Cal) grew up in the remote countryside in Greenfield, New Brunswick, Canada.  She attended grades 1-9 in a one-room schoolhouse.  She and her older brother (Paul) always walked the mile to school and back unless there was deep snow, in which case their father would transport them in their horse-drawn sleigh.  The family had no electricity, nor an automobile, until Charlotte moved into the nearby town of Florenceville where she attended high school, coming home only on weekends.

At age 18, Charlotte enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and was stationed primarily in St. Johns, Newfoundland to help monitor the location of enemy submarines off the coast of Canada during WWII.  At 20, she moved to Toronto, Ontario and earned her BA at the Toronto College of Art.  And at 25, she fulfilled her “do or die” dream as a young adult to move to New York City.  There she lived a wonderful life where she met and married the love of her life, Arthur C. Austin, in 1962.  They shared 25 wonderful years together before his death in 1989. She always said that “Arthur gave me music, and I gave him nature”.

Charlotte was employed by Chase Manhattan Bank on Wall Street for most of her career, working closely with the bank’s economists in the graphic arts department.  Many a tale was told (by both Charlotte and her many long-time friends and co-workers) about her active and inspirational life during her years in NYC, although she told her family several years ago that “some stories will remain untold”.

In 2004, Charlotte relocated to Wilmington, DE to be close to her niece (Wendy) and her family. There she continued to befriend many people, striking up a conversation with almost everyone she met.  And that included dogs!   If humor were appropriate, Charlotte knew exactly what to interject and when.   She was truly a lady who always looked outward to see what she could contribute.  By all accounts, she had a unique presence in the world, providing a trail of inspiration, positivity and unconditional love to her niece, nephews, great-nieces,  great-nephews and many decades-long friends. To the very end, she kept in close contact with childhood friends, college friends, NYC friends and, of course, family all around the country.  These communications dwindled just a few short weeks before her death.

Charlotte was predeceased by her husband Arthur in 1989 and her brother Paul in 2003. She is survived by her niece, Wendy (Bill), her nephews Jeff (Mia) and Greg, great-nieces Jamie (Winston),  Lauren (Ray), Adrienne (Walter), Caitlin,  Meridan (Aaron) and great-nephews Andrew (Chelsea)  and Colin.  A special tribute to her very special friend and confidant, Lisa V. Werenko Keller.

Finally, as special as she was to so many, she reminded us “not to be sad for what we’ve lost, but to be happy for what we’ve had”.

A memorial service will be held early in 2024 for family members.

In lieu of flowers, support of her favorite charity in Charlotte’s honor is suggested: St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD  57325.