She was preceded in death by her parents, and her two sisters: Mrs. Linus (Elizabeth) Theis and Mrs. Alex (Victoria) Theis, and four brothers, Charles Kessler, Carl Kessler, Edward Kessler, and Joseph Kessler.
Sister Charlotte was born September 9, 1910, the daughter of the late Jacob and Theresa (Metz) Kessler of Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Carey. She taught elementary students for 48 years. She began her teaching ministry by instructing the orphans at the Orphanage School at the motherhouse. Her teaching career took her to public and catholic elementary schools in Fort Jennings, New Washington, Payne, Miller City, North Auburn, Willard, Millersville, New Cleveland, Peru, Bismark, Bryan, and Carey.
After retiring from teaching, Sister Charlotte began her second career – working with arts and crafts. She spent 10 years at the Pilgrim House in Carey, Ohio, as an artist creating ceramic gift items. Her creativity spread to crocheting and plastic stitching. She also served as a pastoral presence in St. Mary’s Parish, Millersville. Sister Charlotte served the community as a Minister of Prayer from 1993 until the time of her death.
Sister Charlotte’s 101 years of living have been filled with experiences varying from being in charge of the chickens and the milk cellar to 48 years of teaching. She will be remembered as a fun-loving person who delighted her listeners with stories of growing up, novitiate days, mission life, and family. Sister Charlotte herself said, “I enjoy quiet times to reflect on my former students. I treasure the quiet time to spend with the Lord, and my time spent stitching away in love on items to give as gifts. But most of all, I like the quiet time to just be – and let our Creator create in me.”
Visitation for Sister Charlotte is Sunday, August 5, 2012 from 11-1 pm in the chapel at St. Francis Home and 1:30-4 pm, and from 6-8 pm in the St. Francis Convent Chapel. A Christian Wake Service will be held in the convent chapel at 4 pm.
The Funeral Mass will be Monday, August 6 at 10 am at the St. Francis Convent Chapel. There will also be visitation one hour prior to the funeral at the Convent Chapel. Burial will be immediately following in the St. Francis Convent Cemetery.
Memorials contributions may be made to St. Francis Convent or St. Francis Home in care of
Traunero Funeral Home.