Charlotte Beattie (nee Braun), 94, a longtime resident of Brookfield, died April 25, 2014, surrounded by her family, at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.
She was the first of six children born to Mathias and Cecil (nee McCann) Braun of Brookfield. She attended S.E. Gross School and Riverside-Brookfield High School, graduating in 1938.
At 17, Ms. Beattie became the woman of the household when her mother died of tuberculosis. She managed feeding the large family, caring for her infant sister, Carol, and graduating from high school, all while beginning a new relationship with Robert Beattie.
The couple married on Oct. 17, 1942 and had three children. Both worked extra jobs to put all three kids through college. Ms. Beattie worked as a legal secretary for many decades and was active in Brookfield’s community life as well as in state and local politics.
After World War II, she joined Amvets Auxiliary Post #99 and served as its president. She was a member of the Brookfield Zoo, Women of the Moose, Brookfield Historical Society, Brookfield Women’s Club and the Red Hat Society.
Ms. Beattie served on the Brookfield Public Library Board of Trustees from 1968 to 1975, and was president of the board in 1970. She was also a longtime supporter of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, touring with them through Europe and Japan.
In addition, Ms. Beattie had a rich spiritual life as a lifelong member of the Brookfield Methodist Church. She also attended the LaGrange Bible Church, where her brother, Richard, was the organist. She was also a member of the Golden Fellowship and played piano for hymn-singing to shut-ins. After Brookfield United Methodist Church closed its doors, she began attending Cornerstone Community Church in Brookfield.
She will be remembered for her constant faith, positive attitude, generous heart, fun-loving spirit, music and love of Scrabble.
Ms. Beattie is survived by her sons, Michael (Leslie) Beattie and Jeffrey (Betsy) Beattie; her daughter, Charlene (David) Pacini; her grandchildren, Eli Beattie, Tara Beattie, Darren Beattie, Michael Pacini, Stephen Pacini and Benjamin Pacini; her great-grandchildren, Isen and Bowen; her sister, Marjorie Losch; and her brother William (Vernadine) Braun.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepmother, Estella; her brothers, Robert Braun and Richard Braun; and her sister, Carol.
A memorial service will be held May 19 at 11 a.m. at the Cornerstone Community Church, 9008 Fairview Ave. in Brookfield.
Memorial donations are appreciated to Bravehearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center, 7319 Maxon Road, Harvard, Ill. 60033.
