Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Charlotte Simonich Obituary
Charlotte "Char" Marie Simonich entered the kingdom of heaven early Tuesday morning, May 8, 2007.
She died peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving husband and children after a courageous struggle against pancreatic cancer.
Char was born in Butte on March 2, 1943, to Donald Leo and Mildred Nevin Gillespie. She attended the Immaculate Conception elementary, graduated from Butte Central High school in 1961, attended San Diego College for Women and later graduated from St. Louis University with a degree in medical technology in 1966. That same year she married Edward LaForge Simonich on Aug. 6 and they cele- brated 40 wonderful years together this past year.
Through Ed's employment, their lives took them to many cities, mostly throughout the western United States, and stretching as far as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where they spent their last six years before retiring in Butte in 2002.
Wherever they went, Char - through her infectious smile, generous and loving heart, outgoing personality, and strong desire to make a difference - immediately made friends and became involved in the community. She never met anyone she didn't like and as a result always had a positive impact on those around her. Char lived the adage that "giving is better than receiving" and always thought of others before herself even during the last days of her battle with cancer. She instilled these same values in her five wonderful children-four sons and a daughter.
Upon returning to Butte, she helped care for her father, Dr. D.L. Gillespie, until his passing in October of 2006. Char was a care-giver in the neighborhood and volunteered her time to the Butte Symphony Guild and the Paul Clark Home. She was also an active member of the Red Hat Society and the Homer Club.
Char is survived by her husband, Ed and their five children - Christopher Edward and his wife Michele, Stephen Donald and his wife Jeanie, John Patrick, Nicole Marie (Simonich) Flowers and her husband Dan and Michael Andrew and his wife Destiny; brother, Donald Nevin Gillespie and his wife Mary; and her precious grand- children, Caroline, Luke, and Anna, children of Stephen and Jeanie.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Donald L. and Mildred Gillespie; and her brother, William Patrick Gillespie.
The beauty of her life and the example she set as a human being and Christian will live on in all of us.
Char's family will receive friends beginning Monday at 1 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2 p.m. with Father Robert Hall as celebrant. Interment of ashes will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Memorials: Paul Clark Home, the Butte Food Bank, Highlands Hospice, the Briarwood School for special needs children, attended by her granddaughter Caroline, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charlotte Simonich
Denise Canalia Hagel
May 3, 2022
Sleep with the angels Char. God Bless.
Angela Gierkens
May 4, 2020
Ed
I do believe that there are people like angels among us, showing us how to be better everyday. Char is one of these angels that has been here to teach us the real meaning of love of the other. I am sure that she is is a good place still looking after us, with her shining heart and beautiful smile.
Angela Gierkens
May 3, 2019
Her smile and goodness will be always in our heart. Her way of life touched all of us with light and love !
Melinda Abell
June 1, 2007
Ed We loved our times in Rio with you and Char! I loved drinking Caipirinhas with her, and fun times in your home in Barra! She had a true zest for life. Our prayers are with all of you.
Fondly, Melinda and Joe Abell
Pete and Donna Holguin
May 28, 2007
Ed,
We were saddened to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Char's passing was a heartfelt loss for us. Her grace and love for others radiated from her warm smile and her caring ways. She always had a kind word for others and time to help out those in need. We will always remember our times together in Rio. We treasure these as some of our best memories. Please know that Char's absence is felt by all of those whose life she touched. Paul assures us in 1 Corinthians 15:22 that by virtue of our humanity we as believers are united with Adam in our present natural existence, however by virtue of our faith, we are united with Jesus Christ in our spiritual existence. We know that one day we will all be together with Char in heaven. Until that time, may the power of the Holy Spirit give you comfort.
Michele Kenney Zeigler
May 26, 2007
Ed and family,
What great high-school memories I have of Char, always a kind word and a great role model for all of us. She brought the I.C. girls and the St.John's girls together by her infectious personality. You will be in my prayers .
Dick and Min Verstraete
May 23, 2007
Dear Ed and Family,
We are so sorry hear of Charlotte's passing. We just returned from Colorado and only now saw the notice in the paper. Although we didn't have the occassion to get to know her well, we admired her dedication to her father and it was very apparent that she was a very caring person.
Our prayers go out for her and to you all as we know she will be missed very much.
Please take comfort in having shared time with such a wonderful person and remember all the good times.
Again, love and prayers.
Paulo Lopes
May 22, 2007
Dear Ed,
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family since we heard about the irreparable loss we all suffered with Char´s passing.
Char´s smile and the light she carries with her will now serve to make heaven a better place, and sure enough will do to all of those that will be with her up there the same good she did to all of us on earth who have had the privilege of meeting her.
Count on us, my friend, for whatever you may need keep Char´s light shining through.
Paulo, Suzana & Sabrina Lopes
susan ribeiro dos santos
May 20, 2007
Dear Ed & family ,
we were so sad to hear of Char's passing away .I remember the wonderful times we had in Rio , Char had a wonderful warm happy personality which is unforgetable ,I can see her smile now.It must be so hard for you all & you are in our thoughts .
With lots of love Sue & Jeremy
Sharon Corbitt
May 19, 2007
Ed and family members and dear friends,
Char is busy helping the angels guide and protect us here on earth. Her warm smile and humor has definitely made the heavens above a peaceful and loving place to welcome us in. We will miss her greatly.
Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Sharon and Dan Corbitt
Richard Boden
May 19, 2007
Dear Ed and Family,
I have just heard of Char's passing and wish to pass on my deepest sympathy.
I have the fondest memories of the time we spent together when I was visiting my parents in Rio and will always remember Char as having a wonderfully infectious, happy and welcoming personality.
My thoughts are with you all at this time.
Love from Richard Boden
IBP's family & Álvaro Teixeira / Jonas Fonseca
May 18, 2007
Dear Simonich
We just want to express our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Take comfort in Lord and his wonderful plans for Charlotte in heaven.
We fell deeply sorry for Charllote's pass. Please accept our deepest sympathy and may God bless you and your family cross this journey.
.
Andrea Streight (Crump)
May 16, 2007
Dear Simonich Family,
My deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time. Your mom was an amazing woman, and we will all miss her. I will never forget her inviting and loving spirit to all the kids in the neighborhood. She welcomed me so often into your home for fun, food, and best of all, laughter with your wonderful family. God has indeed brought His Angel home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Angela Gierkens
May 16, 2007
Ed and family,
I had the luck to know Char and this has changed me...changed the way I used to look life. Her constant smile and her enourmous heart will be with me forever. She is an example...how to be an angel in Earth. She was always assisting people. Every time I asked "how are you today " She always answered me back "Marvelous...just marvelous". She left so many friends in Brazil !! May God be always with you.
Morgan Hamblin
May 16, 2007
I loved Char so much, as did my family. I don't know anyone who didn't love Char. I was so happy to see her a few years back at Amanda's wedding. She came up to me and said "Do you remember me?" I just laughed and gave her a big hug. Our family owes her so much, I don't think my mother could have handled us 4 crazy kids without Char's help.
Thank you Char and thank you Simoniches for helping to raise our family, and God bless.
Alexa Hamblin
May 16, 2007
Mr. Simonich, Chris, Steve, John, Nicole and Mike,
I'm still stuggling with the thought that Char is gone, as is my family. Char was absolutely a second mom to me, Chase, Morgan and Amanda, and an amazing friend to my parents. As you know, she always welcomed us into the Simonich home, whether it was to bake shrinky-dinks in her oven, or house us and offer us comfort and support when my mom was going through her cancer treatments. Even with a house full of five children, she always had room for the four of us, too -- in her home and in her heart. Though I haven't talked to many of you in years, I think of you all as family and love you very much. I am so glad that I was able to see Char at Amanda's wedding a few years back, it was a real treat to see her always-smiling face once again, and that's how I'll always remember her. I'm praying for you all. God bless you. God bless Char.
Mick Delaney
May 14, 2007
Ed,children,Don&family
Itis with sorrow for your loss of such a positive joyful wife,mother,grandmother,&sister that I offer my prayers & thoughts. Ed even though we havent been in close touch I still considered you & Char true friends.I know your strong faith tells you that Char will now guide you all & all of us on a daily basis.I know I feel good that gentle humble people like Char & my first wife,Patsy will get us to Heaven. Love & Prayers Mick Delaney
Janice Henderson
May 14, 2007
Dear Ed,
I have such fond and loving memories of both you and Char. Char was so loving and caring of me when my mom was sick--I will never forget how much she supported me during that time. I have truly missed her these last 10 years and will always remember her funny and sweet personality.
Janice (Young) Henderson
Jean Branam
May 14, 2007
May God's blessings be on all who knew and loved Char.
Amy Midis (Gibbons)
May 13, 2007
Ed, Chris, Steve, John, Nicole, and Michael,
Reading about Char brings back such special memories. Nothing she was ever doing was as important as you. She would stop whatever she was doing at any time of the day to help, talk, or sometimes the more important - prepare a snack. I was blessed to have known her, and I share your grief.
Love and May God Bless -
Bill Young
May 13, 2007
Dear Ed & family:
As a Houston neighbor in the mid 80's we were able to enjoy the friendship and caring Char & you gave to Judy & I. Both of you will always be in my memories.
Bill MacIntyre
May 13, 2007
Ed and family Sorry for youre loss. Bill MacIntyre
Antonio Pinho
May 13, 2007
Helena and I had the honour to know Char and Ed in Rio in 1996 and became good friends. Char was a passionate person, living for others, participating actively in the community and social needs.
We had their visit 2 years ago in our place in Portugal.
Her soul has a special place in Heaven.
Antonio and Helena Pinho (Portugal)
Ed and Helen Dolan
May 12, 2007
Dear Ed and Family:
Our deepest sympathies and prayers for all of you on Char's journey. We treasure her gentile and warm spirit as we loved her smiling, warm presence and graceful, generous heart. We will miss her, you are all in our prayers
Steven Hamblin
May 12, 2007
Ed and family,
Char was one of the truly nicest people I ever met. She was taken from all of us too soon. But, her legacy will live on throught the wonderful children that she raised, inspired, and encouraged, including my own children. We grieve with you and celebrate her life at the same time.
Lindy Hamblin
May 12, 2007
Ed, Chris, Steven, John, Nicole, Mike -- I was so afraid when I got Steve's phone call last night. I wanted Char to beat the odds. I wanted her to live forever. She was the nicest, funniest, most compassionate, uplifting, selfless person I have ever met. She had the ability to make you think you were the most important person in the world to her. I'll admit I was a bit disappointed when I realized she did that for everybody!!! She did indeed light up a room, not with her brashness, but with her humility and smile. When she called me in February to tell me of her cancer, she thanked ME for being HER friend..... I couldn't even speak, I felt so helpless. All the times she has helped me, and so many others, and there was nothing I could do to help her. How lucky are all of us who were ever touched by the life of Char Simonich. I loved her and will miss her so much. But I will remember her always with a smile on my lips! Please know that I am thinking of all of you and love you all too.
My most sincerest sympathies, Lindy Hamblin
Keith Morris
May 12, 2007
I met Char when I was working with Ed in Brazil, and was immediately impressed with her grace and giving heart. Char is a giver, and only when she arrived in heaven, which is a sweeter place with her arrival, did she truly know how many lives she has touched. I am one of those individuals she touched with her grace, and I am a better person for knowing Char and Ed Simonich. Ed, you and your family are in our prayers. Keep the faith. Keith Morris
Bob & Kim Osier
May 11, 2007
Ed & Family and Don Gillespie & Family,
We were so deeply sorry to hear of Char's passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Sheila Bennett
May 11, 2007
Ed and family,
May God be with you in these times of sadness. Char was a wonderful woman and she will be missed by many. I'm glad I had the chance to visit at the reunion. Take care and comfort one another.
Maureen (Tinsley) Stone
May 11, 2007
Ed, and family,
I'm so sorry for the loss of Char. I didn't grow up with her coming from St. Joe's, but knew her all through highschool and never once can I remember her having a negative thought about anyone or saying anything negative. Your loss is felt with us all. My prayers are with you
Joyce & Bob Smith
May 11, 2007
Dear Ed: We were saddened to hear of Chars passing. She was truly a special lady who impacted so very many lives. We will always remember her smile and warmth.
Richard and Bobbi Setterlund
May 10, 2007
Dear Ed and Family,
We are sadened by Char's passing. She was a warm and lovely woman and many will miss her greatly.
Janice Roberts
May 10, 2007
Dear Ed, My deepest sympathy on losing Char, your life partner of 40 years. May your memories of the full life you led together comfort you. My heart goes out to you & your children. Janice Roberts
Tracy Lenz
May 10, 2007
Ed, Chris, Steve, John, Nicole and Mike-
Char was a special woman. All everyone has written is spot on. She lit up the room, and she made you feel like it was just for you. I have missed my friend.
Scott Edwards
May 10, 2007
Dear Ed & Family,
I just wanted to express my thoughts too you and your family..... I met Char & Ed 3-4 years ago and talk too her quite often when she was at Jane Staples house. She had a great sence of humor, always busy, and willing to help others, kind and enjoyable to talk too. I will miss her very much..... My thoughts and prayers to all your family.
Mark & Deanne Zora
May 10, 2007
Ed & Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies in the passing of Char. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Frank & Susan Hughes
May 10, 2007
Dear Ed & Family,
My deepest condolences for your loss of Char. Our friendship extended back even to first grade where she lit up the classroom and made life around her lots of fun!
Please take comfort in all that she did for so many people in so many places.
My families thought and prayers go out to you at this sad time.
Kay Kelly (Skip's wife)
May 10, 2007
Ed and family:
So sorry for your loss. Hopefully, memories and the support of family and friends will help you through your sorrow.
Mike & Dee Lowney
May 10, 2007
Dear Ed and Family, We are thinking of you during this difficult time and offering our deepest sympathy and prayers. We will always treasure our time with you and Char in Palm Springs. Love and many blessings to you all.
Heather Stephenson
May 10, 2007
To the Gillespie and Simonich families:
All my prayers are with you. Take comfort in the Lord and His wonderful plans for Char in heaven.
Craig and Barbara Savage
May 10, 2007
Dear Ed and family - The Savage family send it's condolences to you. You will be remembered in our thoughts and prayers. Char was a classy person loved by everyone. Let my sister Kathie Foley know if she can help in any way. Good neighbors need to help wherever and whenever we can.
Cecil Davisson
May 9, 2007
Ed and All,
Please know that we shear in greiving the loss of Char. We pray that God blesses you and comforts you especially now and always.
The Cecil A. Davisson Family
Maureen Britton
May 9, 2007
Dear Ed and family,
Charlotte and Billy and Dr. Gillespie were our neighbors on Caledonia Street. I am sorry that I didn't get to Butte to reconnect with Char when you returned. My mom spoke of her kindness often. I have many 1950's memories of her home and her new Chevrolet in high school! Please accept our deepest sympathies at the loss of your beloved wife and mother.
Sincerely,
Maureen Harrington Britton and Graham Poole
Mary Jayne Hellebust
May 9, 2007
We will keep Char in our prayers and in our memories--we all consider ourselves to be blessed in having experienced her goodness and her sense of fun. Our love and condolences to Ed and her children and their families.
Mary Jayne Page Hellebust and family
Marge Dalzell (Evankovich)
May 9, 2007
Ed and your wonderful family,
I just picked this up and am in tears for your loss and mine for a dear friend of 50+ years. PLEASE know that you and yours are in our prayers and we would be in Butte for the memorial except for the fact that I have ortho surgery scheduled for next week. Our years of memories will live forever and now all I can do is say we love you and will keep you in our hearts and prayers forever. She was my friend and I loved her. Prayerfully, Marge (Cliff too).
Jim Shea
May 9, 2007
Dear Ed & Family
I and my family extend to you our deepest sympathy. Char was an exeptional person. She has now entered the second phase of her journey through god's plan for us. We all know that she now rests with Him.
Marilyn Fleming
May 9, 2007
Dear Ed and family,
Thoughts and prayers for all of you. Please accept my condolences and my expressions of gratitude for having walked some of this life's journey with Char, woman of such goodness and grace.
Tenderly, Marilyn Mack Fleming
Julie and Bill Thompson
May 9, 2007
Dear Ed,
Bill and I want to express our sincere sympathy for the loss of Char. She was such a special person with the gift of making everyone feel special in some way. Love Julie and Bill Thompson
Gail Mulligan Griffin
May 9, 2007
Ed and family,
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you during this difficult time. Char was a special person and I will treasure the memory of our friendship. With deepest sympathy.
Joe Gatins
May 9, 2007
Mike,
We are all thinking of you and are saddened as well for your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Leon Carey
May 9, 2007
I am a coworker of Mike Simonich and my depest prayers go out to his entire family. I am so sorry for your loss. May God provide comfort to all of you.
Ron & Mona Kriskovich
May 9, 2007
Ed and Family:
May God give you the grace and the strength to endure this Cross. I know how hard it is and time does help. May she rest in peace. You and your family will be in our prayers.
George Sever
May 9, 2007
Dear Ed and family,
I am so sorry to read about the passing of Char. My deepest sympathy to you Ed and your family.
Jim McArthur
May 9, 2007
Charlotte Gillespie Simonich to me was a classic example in how to love life and live it so abundantly. I knew her through grade school and high school. She charmed everyone she knew with her genuine loving spirit. I thank God for her visit to my life.
Denise Canalia (Hagel)
May 9, 2007
Sleep with the angels Char. May God Bless you and your family.
Love Denise
Bob Shelton
May 9, 2007
No doubt about Char's new address.We send our prayers to her family and were honored to know this special lady.
Jo Ann Benjamin Kling
May 9, 2007
The voice sang out "CHAR IS HERE" and there was rejoicing.
Helen Karlson (McBride)
May 9, 2007
Dear Ed and the Simonich and
Gillespie families:
We all know what a good person Char was. We were friends in high school, and roomates in college. WE did connect at our class reunion last summer and it was great. My prayers have been for her and the family along with the class of 61.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Sara Stephenson-LeNoir
May 9, 2007
Your are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Foley Steele
May 9, 2007
Imagine the rejoicing and celebrating there was in heaven at 1:00 a.m. May 8!!!!!! One of God's most precious gifts to us got to go back home....her work was done. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant Char." We'll be there soon with you and I pray God can say the same about us. You were an exceptional model.
Showing 1 - 60 of 60 results
Make a Donation
in Charlotte Simonich's name
Memorial Events
for Charlotte Simonich
How to support Charlotte's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Charlotte Simonich's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
