Eulogy for
 Charlotte Howells

 Presented by CHRISTA KECK
 Given at February 28, 2012 Rotary Meeting

Charlotte Howells will be remembered by all of us here as a dedicated Rotarian and a caring friend.

She was born in Huntington, West Virginia and graduated from Marshall University. Charlotte spent her professional life in service to others - for 30 years she was an able administrator at Home Hospital, where she held the positions of Director of Admissions, Corporate Compliance Officer and Director of Nursing, among other titles before retiring in 2006.

Charlotte was a staunch Catholic and her faith was important to her. As a member of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament here in West Lafayette, she gave freely of her time and talent. She served as an elected member of the Parish Council. Charlotte was on the Building and Planning Committee during the time when the Church put on a large addition. With her usual vigor, she devoted countless hours to the task, paying great attention to every detail. She also served on the finance committee, was an usher, and most recently also served on the 50th Anniversary Committee, again demanding meticulous attention to detail.

Charlotte was involved in the community in so many ways. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta, a board member of the Crisis Center, and the Visiting Nurse Home Health Service.

She was a graduate of Leadership Lafayette and a United Way Executive.

And here in our Rotary Club, Charlotte Howells was invaluable. During my presidency, I saw first hand how she worked tirelessly for our backpack program. Week after week, Charlotte would set up her display case and monitor it to collect money for backpack. At the district conference, she spent pretty much the entire weekend working at her backpack booth, talking up the project and how important it was for the kids to have food for the weekend. I gained the highest respect and deep affection for Charlotte as I witnessed her selfless devotion to a cause she wholeheartedly believed in. Even when her health was failing, she was so courageous and continued to work so hard and so quietly for our Rotary Club. She personified our motto, "Servic Above Self".

Charlotte was also a devoted mother and sister. We have the honor today to have two of Charlotte's children here with us: Jefferson Howells and his wife Jennifer, and Kelly May.

This tiny, energetic person had such a great impact on our community. She will be missed by many, but surely not forgotten.