1934 - 2018
Charlotte "Char" Jones Falkenstein 1934 - 2018
Channel Island Harbor, CA—Charlotte "Char" Jones Falkenstein passed away at 11:11 p.m. on Christmas Eve in her home surrounded by her family and listening to her favorite Christmas music. This was especially perfect given that Christmas was her favorite holiday and we were together, as we are every year. Wherever she was, was home for us all.
Char was born on February 25, 1934, in Lincoln, Illinois to Virginia and Vincent Jones. She attended the University of Illinois, where she met the late Elry Falkenstein, who she married in 1954. Later they moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where she would often be found with her toes in the sand at Ponte Vedra Beach.
Char's adventurous nature took her first to Dallas, Texas, and then to Pasadena, California, where she met the love of her life, Ben Wada. Together Char and Ben traveled to 129 countries, even celebrating Char's 80th birthday in Antarctica. Char's favorite place of all was Africa, the highlight of which was seeing the silverback gorillas.
After retiring from Jet Propulsion Laboratory "JPL", Char and Ben moved to Channel Islands Harbor where they enjoyed boat rides and music under the stars as they plotted their next great adventure.
Char is survived by Ben Wada; her children, Elry (Martha) Falkenstein II, Charisse (Jim) Elwin, Craig Falkenstein, Russ (Inhwa) Wada and Alan (Robin) Wada; grandchildren, ElryFalkenstein III, Christiane Becker, Matthew Falkenstein (Melissa Colirri), Julianna Becker (Marc van Weelden), Chadwick (Sarah) Falkenstein, Cole Becker, Jules Wada, Miles Wada, Sarah Wada and Lauren Wada; sister, Ceci Fitzsimmons Green; along with cherished nieces and nephews and adopted family all over the world.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 3, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Spanish Hills Country Club, Camarillo. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Grand Circle Foundation, giving back to the places that brought Char such joy, or the Susan G Komen Foundation. Please visit celebratechar.com for more information.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
My condolences to the family. Continue to rely on God and know that he hears prayers,Isaiah 59:1.
January 30, 2019
I'm sorry for your loss. As you remember your love one, may your treasured memories ease your grief as God heals your broken hearts. (Psalm 147:3)
January 10, 2019
My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad occasion and may his loving words at John 6:40 console your heart.
Z L
January 7, 2019
I was saddened to learn of Chars passing. I have so many fond memories of her when we all lived at The Vineyard. We had some great times with her there. She was usually the life of the party. I know that Char was well loved. She had great character and a big heart. May all her sweet memories bring your family solace during this time. My heartfelt condolences to you during this time of sorrow.
Anita Edwards-Roseman
January 5, 2019
To the family, you have my sincere condolences. When someone we love falls asleep in death (Ecclesiastes 9:5,10) the memories we have of them become our treasure, may those cherished memories of a life well lived and Gods promise at John 6:40 bring you a measure of comfort
Sarah Taylor
January 4, 2019
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