Charlotte K. French (neé Boshart)
November 18, 1939 - January 11, 2025
Charlotte K. French (neé Boshart), age 85, of Newark, DE, passed away on January 11, 2025, following a brief illness.
Born in Great Bend, NY on November 18, 1939, Charlotte was one of eight children of Bill and Flora Boshart (neé Styles). A graduate of Carthage Senior High School in 1957, she followed her passion for music to Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, MA, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music in 1962. While at college, Charlotte met her beloved husband, Daniel T. French. They married in 1961 and built a life filled with love and harmony in Newark, DE, raising their beautiful daughters, Susan and Diane.
Charlotte’s life was a masterpiece composed of faith and music. An accomplished pianist and vocalist, she dedicated herself to teaching music in both the public school setting and in providing private voice and piano lessons to countless students over the years. Her devotion extended beyond the classroom – she directed the choir at The First Church of the Nazarene in Newark, DE, for more than two decades with grace and passion. She also performed internationally with various choirs and choral groups. Among her many cherished memories was traveling to the Vatican and having an audience with Pope John Paul II. This was a true testament to her talent and ambition.
Charlotte, affectionately known as “Grammy”, lived a life centered around family, love, and treasured traditions. In her retirement, she found great joy in traveling to Georgia and Tennessee, where she delighted in celebrating significant milestones such as graduations, weddings, and the arrivals of new family members. Her legacy is lovingly remembered through the special moments she created, from hosting delightful tea parties to enthusiastically cheering on her grandchildren at their baseball games and soccer matches.
Charlotte also had a passion for entertaining and was an exceptional cook. Her meals were as delicious as they were beautiful. She was best known for her signature lasagna and meatballs, a dish she began preparing three days in advance. While many have attempted to replicate her lasagna, few have succeeded in capturing its perfection.
In addition to her parents, Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel; her daughter, Diane Michele Bricker; and siblings, Donald, Doreen, Dale, Marcia, and Gary. She is survived by her daughter, Susan E. Martin (Mike) of Dallas, GA; son-in-law, Scott Bricker of Collierville, TN; siblings, Mary Ellen Fox of North Andover, MA, and Dean A. Boshart (Phyllis) of Newark, DE; five grandchildren, Rabon Martin (Peyton), Ryan Martin (Emma), Reily Martin (Karley), Alexandra Rochester (Ian), and McKenzie Bricker; four great-grandchildren, Kollyns Martin, Lucy Martin, Scotty Rochester, and Sadie Martin; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Charlotte will be remembered for her unwavering faith in Christ, her elegance and charm, her beautiful voice that touched so many hearts, and the joy she brought through music. May her legacy resonate forever in the lives she inspired.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. A graveside service will follow at 11:45 am in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE. A funeral service will begin at 1 pm in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 701 South College Avenue, Newark, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Charlotte’s name to Insight for Living – The Bible–Teaching Ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll at Insight for Living Ministries, PO Box 5000, Frisco, TX 75034 or online by clicking here.
Vic & Judy DiRienzo
Our deepest condolences to all for the loss of your loved one. May she rest in peace in God’s arms……,
Eric Tripoli
Sending my condolences, prayers and love to everyone.
Eric Tripoli
Gloria
What a Hugh family of love. Very impressed with her life. Wish I had known her better. I believe she is the one who sang at my wedding. I didn’t know what to do but she did. Fantastic lady.
Rosalyn (Reynolds) Turcott
How I loved Charlotte as a young girl & teenager! She & Danny were fun to be around, and I always knew I could go to her if I was going through a rough spot. She loved Jesus and her family immensely!
Ranae & Jim Bricker
We have many fond memories of our time with Charlotte & Danny. We first met Charlotte in 1957 at ENC. Many fun times were also shared during our 13 years living in Delaware including the birth of our daughter-in-law Diane. We also shared our wonderful granddaughters, Alex & Kenzie. Blessings & prayers for all the family.
Lisa Ceolla
Charlotte was such a special lady. What a wonderful tribute to her – I had absolutely no idea she performed at the Vatican – what an incredible honor! Condolences to all of her family, with prayers for comfort.
Diane Linne
I am so heartbroken and saddened by Miss Charlotte’s passing. She brightened my life and heart as I know she did to everyone blessed to have met her. I will always cherish that beautiful smile and her sweet giggle! She is back in not only God’s arms but her beloved Danny and Diane and Heaven is a better place. Sending my love, prayers for comfort and strength and lots of tight hugs! 💔🙏💕
Elaine Vanwickle
My deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of this beautiful woman. Charlotte was a wonderful neighbor and friend for many years. She will be missed.
Wendy Kwiatkowski
Mrs. French (Mama Charlotte), you were a joy bringer. Being in your home was to be fed well and loved! I loved carpooling to the gym with Diane, which meant time with you and Mr.French… who also possessed the joy bringing quality that rubbed off on Diane and made her a source of joy for all who loved her and had the privilege to call her friend/teammate. The joy of the Lord was your strength! I’m so glad I was a part of that joy for many years. -Wendy Jo (Weaver) Kwiatkowski