The Necrology of Sister Mary Charlotte Wszolek

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, on May 16, 1929, to Frank Wszolek and Frances Ciebiera, Charlotte Pauline was the eighth and last child. She loved being the center of attention for her parents, five brothers and two sisters. However, her siblings assigned her many tasks suitable for
a small girl that made her aware that everyone must bear the household chores in a sizable family. The children learned their prayers at home and deepened their love for Christ, Mary and the Church at Saint Hedwig's School where the Felician Sisters ministered. From the sisters
Charlotte learned how special it was to help others.

After her graduation she applied for entrance into the Aspirancy of the Felician Sisters in Lodi, New Jersey in 1943. Four years later she entered the Postulancy on July 16, 1947, and a year later on August 12, 1948 as a novice she received the name Sister Mary Theophille. Years
later she went back to her baptismal name Sister Mary Charlotte. She professed her temporary vows on August 13, 1949, and six years later her perpetual vows on August 13, 1955. Sister Charlotte obtained a BS in Elementary Education from Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey and commenced her teaching ministry that spanned a remarkable 58 years. Sister taught the primary grades in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Her students excelled in reading, writing and self-expression because of her exciting classroom procedures and teaching expertise. For two years, 1970-1972 she taught the first grade in Curitiba, Brazil. For 15 years Sister Charlotte was a principal in St. John School, Waynesboro, Virginia and in Saint Joseph School, Camden, New Jersey. While in these schools she was also
the minister of the local homes. From 1990-2008, while she taught the kindergarten at Our Lady of Grace Home, Newark, Delaware, she also assumed the responsibility for the care and guidance of the girls. For two years she was the Assistant Director of Saint Clare Retreat House
in Mount Arlington, NJ.
Gifted with creativity, Sister's hands fashioned crafts and flower arrangements of exquisite quality which enhanced the beauty of many convents. In 2010 she retired to Our Lady of Lourdes Care Center in Lodi. Here she continued her artistic work, decorating and beautifying many areas within the convent. She also did art work at this time with the clients in the "21 and Older" Program, an outgrowth of the Felician School for Exceptional Children.  She had a special love for Saint Joseph and Saint Francis and made sure they were significantly honored by unique displays for all to admire.

As Sister Charlotte reflected on her religious life for her 70th Jubilee she wrote: "I am so grateful that my mother prayed to God for me, even willing to offer me as a Spouse of Jesus. Thanks mom! I praise and thank God for my beautiful life".

Sister Charlotte had an engaging personality, a tremendous sense of humor and a deep love of her Polish background. Of course, we cannot forget her enthusiastic polka dancing that she thoroughly enjoyed. Sister Charlotte, even during her last year of life, often made her way to the main chapel from her fourth floor bedroom, so she could pray with her community in the chapel. Gently, she began to weaken during October. Quietly, during the early morning hours of Saturday, November 23, 2024 she went to be with her beloved Spouse.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Lodi, New Jersey.

Eternal Rest…