Charlotte L Schwartz

Sunrise - October 30, 1923 Sunset - September 3. 2009 Madison, Age 85 years Passed away peacefully at Sunny Hill Health Care Center where she lived the past 9 months of her life with her husband of 63 years and her ""roommate"" at her side. Charlotte was born on October 30, 1923, in Beaver Dam, the daughter of Samuel Bender and Sarah (Dubin) Bender. She attended Beaver Dam High School where she was the Drum Majorette of the high school band as well as played her saxophone in Beaver Dam's ""Dukes of Rhythm"". She then attended the University of Wisconsin -- Madison, majoring in speech pathology. She married her husband, Ervin Schwartz on June 30, 1946 and together they raised 3 sons. Charlotte was very active in the early days of Madison Theater Guild as well as the Beth Israel Players.   She worked as a secretary for the Madison Public School District Board of Education for over 20 years. During her retirement she looked forward to her weekly luncheons with ""The Girls"". She loved swimming and traveling with her husband, children and grand-children. Charlotte will be fondly remembered by all for being ""The Number One Sports Fan"". Not only did she drag Erv to her children's sporting events, but to her grandchildren's and great- grand children's events as well. When her sons stopped playing ball she continued to support the teams that they had played with.   She was a loving, kind and generous person, and the best ""big sister."" Charlotte is survived by her husband, Erv;   3 sons, Mike, Sam (Shanit), Bob (Jerri); 6 grandchildren, Scott (Dawn), Becca, Sara, Alexys, Leah and Lily; 2 great-grandsons, Ben and Dylan; a sister, Rosalee (Herb) and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Sarah Bender and a sister, Beverly Bender. Funeral services will be held at the Cress Funeral Home 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, at 1:00p.m.on Sunday, September 6, 2009 with Rabbi Jonathan Biatch officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Following internment all are invited back to Temple Beth El for a meal of consolation. Charlotte's family wishes to thank all the wonderful and caring people who helped to keep Charlotte safe and comfortable the past 8 years, especially her ""friends"" at Care Wisconsin, the exceptional staff at Sunny Hill and the amazing people of Hospice, you all made such an impact on her life and she was treated with such respect and dignity to the very end.    In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Center,   5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, WI   53711, in Charlottes name.