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Former Teacher From Englewood Charlotte Benner, 86, Lived Remarkably Merry Life

Charlotte Benner, 86, died peacefully in her sleep at home in Yarmouth Port, MA, on Feb. 13

Charlotte Benner loved to laugh and laughed often. It is no surprise that she was voted as having the "Most Distinguished Laugh" in high school.

Charlotte Benner loved to laugh and laughed often. It is no surprise that she was voted as having the "Most Distinguished Laugh" in high school.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Charlotte was born in New York City on August 1, 1933, the “one and only” child of Charles Van Antwerp and Katherine Karcher Benner. 

She spent her formative years in Englewood, where she attended the Elisabeth Morrow and Dwight-Englewood schools. 

Among the accolades that the Dwight senior class bestowed on Charlotte was "Most Distinguished Laugh" -- an honor she undoubtedly would have contended for within any group she joined through her remarkably merry life.

Following her graduation from Tufts University in 1957 and a sojourn in Boulder CO, from which she “almost never came back,” Charlotte did return to New York City to begin a long and devoted teaching career.

That eventually led her to the Springside School in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. As of this writing, there are no extant tributes from those years, but the magic that happened whenever she was with young children was unmistakable.

Charlotte’s retirement from teaching led to her full-time move to the Cape (punctuated by understandable escapes to Naples, FL) in 1983 – a time when she could still walk her beloved Maggie on most beaches. 

She pursued her love of antiques and the hunt, as a regular at the Saturday Night Fever auctions; she demonstrated a keen gift as a hostess, of which the oral and photographic evidence is irrefutable; and she devoted herself to preserving Cape landmarks and promoting the visual arts. Among other volunteer efforts, Charlotte served as a trustee of The Cape Cod Museum of Art from 1995-2005.

Charlotte is survived by many dear friends and loving cousins, including locally, Page Kidder, Robert Benner, and Pamela Goddard. The family would like to thank the caregivers, Ann, Barbara, Brenda, Danielle, Sheila, Solange and Tammy – and, of course, the late Cynthia Baker. As her frailty limited her mobility, you brought community into her home.

According to her wishes, there will not be a ceremony, but those who knew her are welcome to come and share their remembrances during visiting hours to be held at Morris, O’Connor & Blute at 58 Long Pond Dr. in South Yarmouth, MA  from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26. In keeping with her instincts not to impose, Charlotte would alternatively propose that you visit your favorite museum, beach or trail and take a moment to recall a laugh or adventure you shared.

She loved to laugh, and she is at peace.

For more information and online memorial please visit Morris, O'Connor & Blute

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