Charlas Elizabeth Wise

August 23, 1935 – January 10, 2025

Born Charlas Elizabeth Williams in Baltimore to Elizabeth and Charles Williams, Charlas grew up on Stadacona Farm in the Worthington Valley near Glyndon, where she helped break yearlings for her parents' thoroughbred breeding and racing operation, as well as tending to other livestock on the farm.

After graduating from Garrison Forest School, Charlas worked for B. Altman and Company in New York City. She returned home to work at the Baltimore Museum of Art, where her many fond memories included being a member of the BMA's delegation to the Venice Biennale in 1960.

Her marriage to Peyton Wise, a young Naval officer, in 1960, launched 15 years of travel, with tours in Philadelphia, San Diego, Yokohama, Washington, and Naples, Italy. Moving her growing family every year or two, she determinedly immersed herself and her children in local cultures.

The Wises returned to Glyndon in 1982.

Charlas's keen interest in gardens and conservation led to her active participation in the Garden Club of America. She was a member of the Amateur Gardeners Club in Baltimore, heading its conservation committee and participating in the GCA's environmental advocacy efforts in Congress. She also served on the GCA's library committee in New York City.

Her love of horses and racing continued throughout her life; she attended the Preakness, Hunt Cup and Grand National every year.

Charlas was a member of St. John's Church in Glyndon, where she was christened and married.

She was pre-deceased by her husband and by her brother, Major Walter Douglas Williams. She leaves behind four children and five grandchildren.