WESTON: Elizabeth A. (Downs) Charpie, 86, died peacefully under the care and comfort of her family at her Weston residence on Sunday, September 18, 2011.
She was born in Cleveland, Ohio the daughter of the late Floyd M. Downs and Jayne (Roderick) Downs.
Elizabeth is survived by her adoring husband of 64 years, Robert Charpie. She was the loving mother of four children: Richard Charpie and his wife Sally (Ward), Carol McMullen and her husband Sean Rush, David Charpie and his wife Joanne (Condakes), and John Charpie and his wife Kathy (Pate). She was the sister of the late Jane Reichheld and sister-in-law of Edith Fickenscher. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and eight nieces and nephews.
Elizabeth lived in Weston for over 40 years, previously residing in Cleveland, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Pleasantville, New York, and Winnetka, Illinois. She was a graduate of Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio and received her Bachelor of Science from Case Western Reserve in 1946. She also received a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Pittsburgh in 1950 and a certificate degree in Special Education from Regis College in Weston.
Elizabeth had an active career as a teacher at Chesterfield Elementary School in Cleveland, Ohio, and was the Vice Principal at the Ellis School for Girls in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In her earlier years in Weston, Elizabeth was an active member of the PTO, served as Secretary for the Weston Garden Club, and was on the board of the Weston Drama Workshop. She also volunteered as a troop leader with the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts.
Her husband and children will be receiving family and friends to toast her life at her home in Weston on Saturday, September 24, 2011, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Elizabeth’s memory can be made to Newton-Wellesley Hospital for the Palliative Care Program for Cancer Patients, 2014 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02462.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland.
For online condolences, please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.