Obituary of Charlotte Lee Hmurovich

Charlotte Lee Hmurovich (Whitaker) made her crossing journey on May 16, 2021. She was born in East Chicago, IN on September 22, 1946. 

She is survived by her husband of 50+ years Bernie, daughter Sarah, son-in law Jeremy Johnson, granddaughters Jade and Scarlet, all of Elk River MN, brother Walter H. Whitaker of Weston MO and several nieces and nephews in MO, MI, MA, CA, OR and IN. She was preceded in death by sons Matthew Oliver and Maximus Matthew, her parents Harold Henry and Anne Helen Whitaker and sister Joyce Helen Godels of Eugene OR. 

Char had a BA in Sociology and Elementary Education and minor in Divinity from St. Joseph College in Indiana. Charlotte had several certifications in Reading.

Charlotte was an Elementary school teacher and later a Reading Specialist in both the private and public school systems. Charlotte was also a volunteer for many nonprofit organizations over the decades.

Char was a champion for many social issues including issues with marginalized groups. Char was a frequent presenter on social issues at colleges and universities. Frequently, Charlotte took action by attending demonstrations and protests. Char was the co-founder of PFLAG Marshall Buffalo Ridge. Char was a caring individual who continued to teach about tough issues throughout her lifetime. She always demonstrated the courage to confront any issues through respectful conversations. Char instilled in many through her years of teaching and advocating the importance of kindness and advocacy for those that could not and courage to respond in the face of adversity.

Char loved the outdoors and spent time watching the animals in nature, gardening and camping with those she loved. Her favorite activity was having morning coffee and watching nature evolve in the backyard. She would frequently document the Spring arrival times for the various birds and wildlife. 

Char’s final teaching lesson was to demonstrate how to face the finality of death with acceptance, grace and dignity.

In lieu of flowers Char would be pleased with donations to St. Jude Hospital, Doctors Without Borders, Public Television, Public Radio, Planned Parenthood and the St. Anthony’s Wet House, which were all organizations Char supported during her lifetime.