Charlotte Marie Brown

Charlotte Marie Brown (née DuFresne) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at the age of 86. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Robert "Bob" Brown of Astor, Florida. She was born in 1935 to Philippe & Simone DuFresne in the small town of South Porcupine, Ontario. She moved to North Bay where she grew up with her eldest sister Margaret and younger brother Vincent. She had a warm and happy family life: she was an avid reader, sang in the choir at the Catholic Church, and loved fashion - designing and sewing her own wardrobe. She graduated high school with a certificate in Special Commercial. At the age of 18, "Charlie," as she was known to her friends, met the love her life, Bob. They married in 1956 and began their lifelong adventure together. A great team, Charlotte encouraged Bob's entrepreneurial spirit and helped him with the bookkeeping and running of his multiple business ventures in St. Catherines and Montreal in Canada, and Umatilla and Pierson, Florida. They worked hard and were able to buy a motel and move to Boca Raton before she turned 50 years old. After searching many towns in Florida, she and Bob finally settled down in Astor. Charlotte loved her home on the water there and enjoyed an active retirement with Bob, boating on the St. John's River and taking cross-country motorcycle trips to eat lobster in Maine. Charlotte was an accomplished organist, a fantastic cook and entertainer - hosting a steady stream of family and friends at their Astor home. Her sister Margaret Ryan spent winters with her for many years and she thoroughly enjoyed her many fun filled vacations abroad with her brother Vince and his wife Donna-cruising through Europe, Hawaii and visiting them at their home in Canada. As a mother, Charlotte was a tireless advisor and loving confidante. She is survived by her two children, eldest son Kent Brown and wife Anne of Umatilla and Bonnie and husband Joss (Nageon de Lestang) of Naples, who will miss her dearly. "Charlie Brown" adored her grandchildren - Kristin, Alex, Fae, Simone and Phillippe - as well as her five great grandchildren - Kendall, Parker, Skylar, Brecken and Juniper. She took a great interest in each of them, never missing a birthday or special occasion. She is preceded in death by her elder sister Margaret and younger brother, Vincent Dufresne. Her family is devastated to lose her, which is a testament to a life well lived. Please keep us in your prayers. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 10:30 AM at Beyers Funeral Home in Umatilla, Florida. Interment to follow at Umatilla Annex cemetery.