CHARLOTTE TANNHEIMER, MARBLEHEAD CENTENARIAN

Much beloved mother, grandmother and friend, devoted teacher, lifelong student, and magnetic presence, Charlotte Tannheimer died quietly at her home on March 31, attended by her children. She was born in Ionia, Michigan on February 27, 1921, and had recently celebrated her 100th birthday feted with music, flowers, cards and calls from as far away as China where, on the heels of Tiananmen Square, she traveled alone to teach English in Nanjing. A deeply spiritual woman, Charlotte's core strength derived from faith. She was a longtime pillar of St. Andrews Church in Marblehead.

At age 69 Charlotte retired with a Teacher of the Year award from a successful career at Endicott College in Beverly. She was a gifted teacher in and out of the classroom, life lessons one of her specialties. Charlotte loved art, music and theatre and spent long hours reading. She never attended a Shakespeare production without first reading the entire play. She was founding mother of Poetry Night at St. Andrews and enthusiastic supporter of aspiring writers. People delighted in her poetry readings, often humorous tales and booming infectious laugh. Charlotte enjoyed a fully engaged, spirited life marked by love, kindness, compassion and service. She embraced all life, joy and heartbreak. She sang through it all even when she didn't feel like singing. Charlotte Tannheimer leaves a legacy of inspiration and light.

Charlotte was predeceased by sons Paul and Mark Tannheimer. She leaves three children: Joan, John and David Tannheimer; daughters-in-law, Susan Tannheimer and Linda Larson; and four grandchildren.

A private burial ceremony will be held at Waterside Cemetery. A memorial celebration of her life is planned for a future date.