Saratoga Springs, NY - Wife, mother, educator, community leader and volunteer, Charlotte Worrell Justin, born June 2, 1944, in Providence, RI, to Jessie and Frederick Worrell, died December 12, 2011, at home in Saratoga Springs, surrounded by her family, after a brave and vigorous 20-year battle with cancer.
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Charlotte leaves behind her loving husband and partner of 37 years, Dr. Alan Justin, with whom she built a principle-driven life; beloved children, Adam (Welling Savo) Frederick, Jessie Alexa and Tyler Read; granddaughter, Zora Charlotte; siblings, Nancy and Ted; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Everyone in Charlotte’s orbit shares in the loss.
Charlotte’s greatest passion and priority was her family and she dedicated herself to fostering a joyful, creative and open home life. Through her lifelong study of Christian Science, she brought both levity and groundedness to her family’s pursuits: skiing at nearby Bromley, navigating small sea craft in Narragansett Bay, bracing for a hurricane on Hog Island, RI,—the childhood summer home that has been a haven for the family for decades—or creating a place at the dinner table for a spontaneous drop-in guest who may stay for the night (or six months).
Charlotte nurtured a sense of trust and community that brought people together. Whether she was teaching children to walk softly in the woods and recognize bird calls, masterminding a community scavenger hunt (or toddler Easter egg hunt), or playfully trouncing friends at bridge, Charlotte’s boundless energy and sense of possibility is inspiring to all who knew her.
She delighted in the natural world, believed deeply in its conservation and held a magic with which she created trusting connections with animals. Charlotte and Alan built their remarkable homes in Saratoga Springs and Hog Island as if they were guests of the land.
Charlotte’s contributions to the local community are countless. As an educator who specialized in reading, her commitment to literacy and learning led to her significant involvement in numerous schools and organizations, including the Beagle School, which she helped transform from an elementary school into one of the premier preschools in Saratoga. She was instrumental in developing the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs into an independent institution that serves youngsters through high school. She also served the boards of Literacy Volunteer, the Saratoga Springs School District, and the Hawley Foundation. Charlotte was a founder of Grants to You in Saratoga County; co-chaired the 1984 gala at Saratoga Performing Arts Center; and spearheaded the restoration of the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa in 1986. Her business acumen enabled her to manage Alan’s orthodontic office; and she was CFO of the Cing Corporation from 1992-1994. She worked tirelessly on projects related to local open space and land preservation concepts, such as Saratoga P.L.A.N.
Charlotte was an independent, courageous and soulful woman. Love led her life.
We will miss you.
Services were held Saturday, December 17, 2011.
In lieu of flowers, Charlotte asked that donations be made to WAMC radio or WMHT television.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, (518) 584-5373.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
