Charlot Elaine Marks Karesh

Charlot Elaine Marks Karesh passed away the morning of September 11, 4 days after her 100th birthday. 

Born on September 7, 1924, to Harry and Marie Marks in Greensboro, NC, she married Stanley H. Karesh, a newly-minted dentist serving in the Navy, in 1945. After his discharge from the Navy, they moved back to his Charleston hometown to settle and raise three daughters. 

Charlot was a force of nature and the Energizer Bunny. She led a life of service to family, friends, and her community. A leader and gifted organizer, she was involved over the years with PTA, the Ladies Golf Committee of the Country Club of Charleston, and especially Charleston Jewish Federation and Synagogue Emanu El, which honored her on her 100th birthday last Saturday. 

Charlot was predeceased by her parents and brother and her husband of 67 years. She is survived by her daughters, Jane Karesh, Gail Karesh Kassan (Stuart), and Fern Karesh Hurst (Peter Rubin), grandchildren Alex Hurst (Carolyn), Amanda Hurst Hirsh (Bret), Michael Kassan, and Merrill Kassan Ross (Eric), seven great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their children for whom she was “Mama,” the family matriarch, and several "fourth daughters." 

We wish to thank her wonderful caregivers, Lucinda DiPace, Paula Singleton, and Sharon Washington. 

The funeral will be Friday at 11:00 at Synagogue Emanu El. 

Memorial donations in the name of Charlot Karesh may be made to the Sisterhood of Synagogue Emanu-El, 5 Windsor Drive, Charleston, SC 29407.