Charlotte M. Gilson, 78, resident of the Manchester Presbyterian Lodge, Fairview, PA and formally of 622 Venango Ave., Cambridge Springs, died April 22, 2012 at St. Vincent Health Center, Erie. Born on March 31, 1934 she was a daughter of the late Barton and Florence (Robbins) Sanders in Cambridge Springs. She married Donald L. Gilson on June 21, 1952 and he preceded her in death on December 20, 2005. Until moving to the Manchester Lodge in 2010, Charlotte lived all of her life in Cambridge Springs and LeBoeuf Township, Erie County and graduated from Edinboro High School.
She was employed for over 35 years by the Bush Insurance Company of Cambridge Springs. A member of the First United Methodist Church of Cambridge Springs for over 50 years, Charlotte sang in the choir and served as a choir director.
Charlotte was an accomplished singer and shared her talents in many venues. She was the soloist at countless weddings in the general Cambridge Springs area, but may best be remembered as playing the part of Miss Laurie in Oklahoma, the first Cambridge Springs Community Theatre production. She played other lead and supporting roles in subsequent theatre productions and sang in many local choral groups.
Charlotte will be remembered by all those kids she opened her home to in the 60’s and early 70’s, especially during football season for those players that needed a meal before the big game.
Charlotte will also be remembered as receiving a liver transplant in 1996 and a kidney transplant in 2007. Modern medicine allowed her to live a fairly unencumbered, fulfilling life until just a couple of years ago. Her courage and perseverance in dealing with the transplants and the side effects, inspired all those who knew her.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Donald, to whom she was married for 53 years, Charlotte was preceded in death by two sisters – Charlene Sanders and Alberta (Sanders) Kent.
She is survived by two sons – Ricardo F. Gilson and his wife, Jane and their daughter Kate of Meadville and Donald B. Gilson and his wife, Mary Jane and their son Timothy of Fairview. She is also survived by her brother – Maylon Sanders of Waterford.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Van Matre Family Funeral Home of Cambridge Springs where there will be calling hours from 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM on Wednesday, April 25th. A calling hour will also be held on Thursday from 10 to 11 AM, April 26th at the First United Methodist Church in Cambridge Springs. The funeral service will follow beginning at 11:00 with interment at Mitchell Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 204, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403 or the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, Development Department, Forbes Tower Suite 8084, 3600 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Miss Charlotte, I miss you so very much. I miss coming into your room and talking. You always listened, no matter how long I talked your ear off. I appreciated it so much. You always had the best advice. I miss watching football with you, no matter what team. Or the random cupcake wars, where they used the most absurd ingredients, which always made us laugh. I could go on with memories, but it will never be the same without you. Everytime I pass your room, I miss you. I think of you always. You helped make me remember why I became a nurse and I will always be grateful. I love you Miss Charlotte, I wish I could have been there to tell you at the end. I miss you everyday.
Love you always, Teresa from Manchester
Rick and Don, I’m sure you know how important your mom’s influence was on all of us who sang in her junior choir at the Methodist Church. She gave me my first solo, and I learned from her that I was a singer. And, I agree with Ken Hale: she instilled a love of music in me, too. I also LOVED to hear her sing. I kept in touch over the years through the many Mother/Daughter banquets hosted by the CS UM Church that I attended with my grandmother, Dorothy. She also loved Charlotte. Your mom was always kind and classy, and although I was unable to make it to the funeral home for the calling hours, I want you to know that I cried when I heard that she had passed. I really loved her. May God’s peace be with you and your families in the coming days and months. Know that she may her mark in this world in a profound and important way.
To Charlotte’ Family. My deepest condolences upon the death of your loved one. I had a wonderful time with Charlotte when I played Aunt Eller in Oklahoma. She was a sweet loving person who we all loved and had a wonderful time with during the play. Her voice was amazing, and I found it mesmerizing. She will be missed but leaves a legacy of hope, courage and positive attitude to all who knew her. My prayers for peace are for you. Sincerely, JoAnn A. Owens, Wilmington, NC
Rick, Don, & Family, Sorry to see the loss of your mother. Such a wonderful & happy person she was and the strength see had enduring through her difficult times. Our thought & prayers are with all of you. Curtis & Brenda Bogda
Gilson Family,
Sorry to read about the loss of your mother. I fondly recall my choir and Sunday school days at the Methodist Church in Cambridge Springs and your mom with her terrific smile and kind words. I thought you were so lucky to have such a nice mom who was also a beautiful, talented and classy lady. You have my sympathy and are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rick and Don,
Our prayers are with you and your families at this time. Charolette was a great influence on my life growing up. She encouraged me to sing in the kids choir when I was young and I feel because of that influence, along with Opal Porter, that I have such a love for music today. I enjoyed all the times we had together in the community theatre and will always cherish the time we played Mr. & Mrs McAfee in Bye Bye Birdie. She was such a sweet spirit and look forward to the day when we can all sing together again.
Ken & Penny Hale
To Rick and Don:
Jane and Gretchen both let us know of your mother’s passing. We were so sorry to hear that. I (Diane) have so many fond memories of her – making bread, gardening and I always thought you two had the prettiest mom around. Nobody loves us like our mothers! But I know we will all be together again. However hard this is, I hope the good memories bring a smile to your faces and warmth to your hearts.
In sympathy and friendship,
Dave and Diane (Zuschlag) Potter
To The Gilson Family,
Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers at this time. When ever you would see Charoltte, you would know that no matter what, a smile would be on her face – she will truly be missed.