Charlotte Royce was born in Brookings, SD in 1948 to Vivian (Smith) and Marvin Royce. She was soon joined by her sister Pam (Mrs. Robert Buchanan) and later by her brother John (Judy Royce). The family moved around when Charlotte was young. They lived in Oklahoma for a while due to Marvin’s job but Charlotte always considered Eau Claire, Wisconsin her childhood home. Charlotte made friends with the family that lived next to them, and Sue Lenfesty became Charlotte’s lifelong friend. When Charlotte was about to enter high school, the family moved to Rochester, Minnesota. Charlotte attended John Marshall Senior High School and got a job working at St. Mary’s Hospital for the Nuns in food service. While there Charlotte made friends quickly. One of those friends was Mary Sveska (Mrs. Ronald Oviatt) who introduced Charlotte to her handsome younger brother, Marshall. Charlotte graduated from JMHS in 1966. After graduation, Charlotte went on to get the first of several degrees in college. She obtained her degree in Dietary Education and in Business. She then began working for the State Hospital. That is when Charlotte realized her love of helping Special Needs people. In August 1969, Charlotte and Marshall wed at St. Pius in Rochester, MN. Charlotte was an active member in the church and taught Catechism classes. In August 1979, Jennifer joined the family. Charlotte went back to St. Mary’s when the State Hospital closed and stayed there for 23 years. She took early retirement and went back to school. This time she decided to get her Human Services Tech degree and in 1997 she graduated again. Charlotte began working for Kensington Cottages as a caregiver. Soon, she was the activities director. Charlotte left Kensington Cottages shortly after losing her father to Alzheimer’s. She would spend the next 20 years working for Hiawatha Homes in various positions but loved care giving the best. Charlotte made a huge impact on the quality of life of all those she cared for. In 2016 Charlotte had to retire from Hiawatha when her own Alzheimer’s began showing early signs of development. She stayed at home with her wonderful husband and daughter until September 2022 when she ended up in the hospital with aggressive Alzheimer’s. In February 2023 she was able to find housing in Cottagewood Senior Care (formerly Kensington Cottages). Charlotte passed away in her sleep the morning of June 25th, 2023. She will be remembered with love by all that had the blessing to know her. Her love of simple pleasures and travel have brought many smiles to her friends and family. She will be deeply missed.
Charlotte is preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Vivian.
A celebration of life will be on Saturday, August 19th from 11am-3pm at the Even Hotel.
Memories and condolences of Charlotte may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
I worked with Char in Dietary at St. Mary’s many years ago. She was so sweet and gentle with the staff and the patients. She was loved by everyone. She will be missed by many.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
She was a wonderful caring person. I worked with her many years ago at st. Mary’s hospital in the domitilla kitchen. May she RIP.
Char was my supervisor in the Joseph kitchen at St Mary’s hospital back in the 80’s. She was kind, compassionate and respected. One of the best leaders I worked for. My condolences .
So sorry for your loss. Her parents purchased a home across the street from us on 7th Avenue NW in the early 60’s. She baby sat for us many times & our children really liked it when she came as she played with them. She was very sweet & will be missed by many.
The Royce’s lived right across the street from us in the 60’s & Charlotte was our babysitter. Our children really liked her as she always played with them & made them feel special. She was a very special person & will be missed a lot,
Char was one of those Forever Friends you usually only read about in books. She was a blessing to those who’s life she touched. She will always have a place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who loved her and especially Marsh..the love of her life and Jenny …her Angel here on earth.
Thoughts and prayers to Char’s family and friends. She was a good person to work with. She will be missed by many.
I worked with Char and her sister-in-law MaryJean for many years in dietary at St.Mary’s She always had a smile on her face . We laughed alot at work . Love ya girl !
So sorry to hear of your loss. We had so many good times together.
Jennifer and family. Worked with Jen at Holiday Inn. So sorry for your loss Jen.
Worked with Char at St. Mary’s. We had such a good time. Got to be around when she was pregnant with Jennifer. She was so happy. She loved you very much. You are in my prayers.