Charlene Adele Curtiss

My one and only, now and forever. I miss you baby. I am sending you virtual flowers and chocolate, just like always. Love you

I think I met Charlene in the 3rd grade. She became my best friend for many years - throughout elementary and Jr High and part of high school. I remember her dad didn´t like it when we called her Char , but we all did. She was so accomplished at everything she did. I remember once she was practicing tennis and the track coach sent someone over to the tennis court to ask her to run over and compete in the track meet because they needed a long jumper. She was a bit annoyed because she had chosen tennis over track, that year. But she ran over, wearing her white tennis skirt, jumped, and went back to her tennis match- and took First place! ( I was the opposite - I just sat in the stands with her mom and watched . She was a very good friend, and I regret not visiting more often in our latter years.

I met a Char at EWU. She was always a shining light and an incredible inspiration.. Hope she is dancing in heaven
Maribeth Webb Williams

Char would constantly amaze me with her bright spirit and unbridled enthusiasm,the love that Karen and Char showed to each other and to their parents always humbled me with the devotion that shined through.

Char was a beacon of light and an inspiration to all who were blessed to know her. My Dad, Duane Pepiot was Char´s physical therapist following her accident. He would rave about her and how hard she worked to overcome this injury showing us with determination and a positive attitude she would make her mark in this world. Our whole family was blessed to have known her. Dance on Char!

Bummer! I met Char when she was 17 and in the hospital in Richland. She and her Family became part of an Extended Family. She was a Kindered Soul and will be missed.. My Condolences to Dick,

Char graduated one year after I did. She was always involved in Gymnastics. After she was hurt she said" I will walk across the stage at graduation" and she did.
Pat (Brunner) Cahow-Elliott

I am so saddened to hear of Char's passing. She and her dance partner JoAnn Petrol's Light Motion helped put wheelchair dance on the map. She will be greatly missed in the dance field and beyond. Much love to Char and all who loved her.

Warmly, Judith Smith
Founding Member & Director Emerita of AXIS Dance Company

I worshiped my older cousins, Karen and Char. They would come for a family holiday to Santa Barbara and then to see us in Westchester. We would color white paper napkins so they would look special on the dinner table. Char and Joanna made a mammoth trip to bring Light Motion to Australia in 1994 or 1995. My girls and I had a laugh remembering getting Char not just to Manly beach but all the way to the ocean so she could enjoy the Pacific from Australia, as well as the west coast USA. God love you, dear cousin. Kath

I danced with Charlene in Berkeley with AXIS and also on our own. She was graceful and powerful and I learned so much from and with her. We were pioneers in the world of wheelchair dance. This was the early 90s. I remember working with the low-flying trapeze with her and also practicing dance "steps" in our wheelchairs at the UC Berkeley gym. My heart is heavy to hear this news, and goes out to all who were inspired by her and all of her loved ones.

Char taught me many things, mostly how to love and be compassionate. And the importance of hugs.

I remember the first time I met her. And the moment I fell in love.