Obituary of Charlotte STALKER

CHARLOTTE ANNE STALKER (nee Diduch) February 19,1948-February 24,2010 It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Charlotte on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at home after a courageous 3 year battle with breast cancer and associated heart damage. She will be deeply missed and her memory will forever be cherished by her loving husband Robert of 42 years and her children; Jason (Tracy), Jeff (Cristina); and Joanne (Michael) and the unconditional love of her beautiful grandchildren Megan, Eric, Caitlin, Brady, Elizabyth and Olivia. Charlotte also leaves to mourn her brothers Gary (Lenore) and Wayne (Lillian) and sister Cindy (Frank) as well as her sister-in-law Diane Gorman and numerous nieces and nephews along with their children. Charlotte was born to parents Leon and Louise Diduch on February 19, 1948. She was raised on Tremblay Street in St. Boniface and had a wonderful childhood growing up with 11 neighbourhood girls (the Tremblay Street Girls). She attended Archwood Elementary School and graduated from Nelson McIntyre Collegiate. Charlotte and her family enjoyed many road trips throughout Canada and the United States to visit their large family. The Diduch household was always full of family and friends for many wonderful dinners and celebrations with Charlotte developing tremendous cooking skills from her mother Louise. Charlotte and Bob met at Falcon Lake in 1965 and it was love at first sight. They were married 2 years later on September 7, 1967. Bob was still at University and Charlotte had begun her career at Great West Life and supported Bob by working three jobs- Great West Life, Marlborough Hotel and Broadway Florists. Charlotte and Bob moved to Ottawa in 1969. They spent 7 wonderful years there where they bought their first home and raised three children. They met many wonderful people that are still close friends today. However, the lure of Winnipeg and family was too great and they returned in 1976 building their current home on Algonquin Avenue. Charlotte became one of the original stall resources at the Pre-School Resource Centre at River East Arena with Sharon McGinnis. They were influential in the lives of many young children. Charlotte was determined to advance her education and went to Red River College to obtain an Early Educator Diploma. She became a special needs para-professional in the River East School Division and worked with many special needs children at several schools throughout the division. She was a very dedicated teacher whose love for her students knew no bounds. Charlotte had a wonderful life full of activities involving her family and friends and even her children's friends. There were the unforgettable times at the cottage at Caddy Lake and the special traditions that became well known including the Christmas Tree Hunt (20+ Years), the Annual Horseshoe Tournament at Caddy Lake and many more magical trips throughout the world including Alaska, Hawaii, Mediterranean, Australia, New Zealand, Caribbean and Mexico. The grandchildren were blessed with the time they shared with their grandmother whether it was taking them to plays or movies or instilling in them her passion for arts and crafts. As busy as she was Charlotte still found time to attend every recital and concert for her grandchildren. Charlotte and Bob loved Winnipeg and supported the community with tickets to MTC, Prairie Theatre Exchange, Jets and Moose Hockey, Goldeyes and the symphony. Charlotte and Bob both retired in 2006 and were really enjoying their retirement when Charlotte was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. Although the effects of the treatment were very taxing she refused to let it get the best of her and she continued to play an active part in both her children and grandchildren's lives. It did not daunt her spirit nor her drive and determination and she continued to travel, attend theatre and sports events, the cottage and spent countless hours with her beloved husband, children and grandchildren. The family would like to thank Dr. VanaMeyde and the staff at Health Sciences Centre and their continuing care for Charlotte and their efforts to find the right balance for her to continue to a full a life as possible. Unfortunately it was not nearly as long as we would have liked. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 27 at 2:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street with the Rev. Marc R. Whitehead officiating. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made in Charlotte's memory to CancerCare Manitoba. Although her time with us was much shorter than we had hoped for, the importance of family and friends that she had instilled in all of us will be carried on through her children and grandchildren.