CHARLOTTE (DOT) GRAY COLPITTS (GRAHAM) -

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CHARLOTTE (DOT) GRAY COLPITTS (GRAHAM) 1913 - 2008 On Monday, December 8, 2008, Charlotte Gray Colpitts' beautiful and creative soul began a new first dance with her beloved Bill (1993) in God's heavenly ballroom. Charlotte was born January 11, 1913 in Winnipeg to Robert and Jessie Graham - she was their fourth child of 10. Charlotte was a fun loving sensitive young girl, who loved writing, her friends and her family. Losing her dear dad at a young age, she worked to help with the family costs of supporting her younger siblings. She married a fun-loving young Winnipeg man who loved dancing, William R. Colpitts on August 28, 1937. Together they enjoyed life in this city; and through Bill's career moves spent some years in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Omaha, Nebraska; and St. Paul, MN returning to Winnipeg upon retirement. Their sons William (Billy) and Robert (Bob) arrived early in their lives, and they enjoyed their boys' activities immensely. Charlotte was so proud of Billy's sporting and coaching career, and of the caring, and financially lucrative mind of her youngest son, Robert, who embraced nursing as his life's path. She didn't care for travel much, but while in the USA, she and the family toured many places of interest such as President Truman's Library, the Wisconsin Dells, and Mount Rushmore as well as Boy's Town, Omaha. Her home and family mattered most to Charlotte, seconded only by her devotion to the order of the Eastern Star where she served as Matron of Como Chapter, in St. Paul, Minnesota; as Grand Page and a member of Vi's Rosebuds; and as Matron of St. John's Chapter #18 in Winnipeg. Charlotte was an enthusiastic sports fan. In her later years, failing eyesight forced her to rely on the radio as her lifeline to the Goldeyes, Bombers, Jets, and more recently the Moose. She always looked forward to the musings of Bob Knuckles Irving. Practical. Thrifty. Creative. Loving. Kind. Giving. In Charge. Just a few words that describe Charlotte. She loved to write and penned the Graham Family History for the Graham Family Reunion. She had a quick wit and way about her. The family lovingly referred to her as Mrs. Zip Zip Her family loved her and she will be forever cherished by her son Robert of Vancouver; son William, wife Marlene of Moorhead, MN; granddaughter Kimberly Colpitts; grandson Kerry Colpitts and wife Deb (Zachary and Nikolas) all of Minnesota; her dear sister and friend Georgina (Ina) Hagman; sisters-in-law Berna Colpitts, Evelyn Graham, Lillian Colpitts; goddaughters Patricia Burgess and Georgie Haiselden; numerous nieces, nephews and friends; and her very caring, attentive and special friends John and Myrtle Gray who were with her right till the end. Waiting for her on the other shore besides Bill, are her parents, Robert and Jessie Graham; brothers William, Douglas, Robert and Burt Graham; sisters Jessie Pilous, Margaret Peary, Sue Gavin, and Jean Graham plus a number of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Bill and Bob, who made it your priority to be with me; to John and Myrtle for your support and attentiveness; to Ina, my rock; and to Tara, Linda, Lisa, Fatima and all the other wonderful staff of unit 6 at Charleswood Personal Care Centre for your kindness and excellent care. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2008 at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook Street with the Rev. Donald E.D. Johnson officiating. Private interment in the family plot at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Charlotte to the Salvation Army and would be greatly appreciated. May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent, one from the other. Mizpah - Genesis 31:49 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474 Ample parking behind funeral home Condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2008