Charlotta Joan McCreary

Charlotta Joan (Dodson) McCreary, born April 29th, 1931 died on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at home.
She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Harry Eugene McCreary (March 25, 1929 - May 16, 2013). Charlotta was one of 12 children born in Claysburg to the late Mckinley Grant Dodson and Mae Jean (Musselman) Dodson.
Surviving are her 14 children: Dennis E. (Janet) of Altoona, Roxanne Mary McCreary of East Freedom, Gary W. (Barbara) of Martinsburg, James E. of Everett, Terry W. (Geniece), Ph.D., of Murray, Ky., David R., D.M.D, of Princeton Junction, NJ., Nancy J.M. (John) Waters, Ph.D., of New Hope, John A. (Delores) of Hollidaysburg, Kevin L. (Carol) of Windber, Delores D. of Aliquippa, Susanne I. Dellinger of State College, Ronald D. (Melissa) of Dillsburg, Timothy S. (Dawn) of Queen Creek, Az., and Samantha A. (Richard) Longenecker of East Freedom. She leaves an array of ~ 3 dozen grandchildren, at last count 76 great- grandchildren and over a dozen great-great-grandchildren-a legacy of 5 full generations.
She is also survived by one sister, Esther M Chrisawn of Claysburg.
She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Andrea McCreary; an infant grandson, Harry McCreary; and 10 brothers and sisters including Woodrow Wilson (Mary) Dodson, Thomas (Mildred) Dodson, Jean (Chick) Eicher, Blair Eugene (Virginia) Dodson, Mable (Wilmont) Evans, Taylor (Ruth) Dodson, Helen (Harold) Holland, Robert Dodson, Martin (Celeste) Dodson, and Barbara (Donald) Byler. In addition, nieces, nephews and cousins are nearly innumerable.
Charlotta attended Claysburg High School until age 17, marrying Harry on Aug. 4, 1949. She devoted her life to raising her 14 children as well as her many grandchildren. She instilled in them a work ethic and consideration for others. An active gardener and expert at home canning and preserving, Charlotta also undertook home improvement projects, wielding both saw and hammer with determination and expertise. As her extended family grew, she enjoyed traveling to visit children and grandchildren across the country. Throughout her life, Charlotta remained supportive of her family, taking pride in their academic, professional and personal achievements.
Charlotta was a lifelong member of the Leamersville Church of the Brethren, having been baptized there on Oct. 20, 1951. She and her husband, Harry, served as Deaconess and Deacon for many years in support of that church. She loved singing gospel music and served in numerous volunteer posts. She was also an auxiliary member of the Altoona Retired Railroaders Association.
Friends will be received on Thursday October 16th, 2025, from 2pm until 4pm and then again from 6pm until 8pm that evening at The Leslie-Miller Funeral Home, 810 Bedford Street, Claysburg PA 16625.
A service to celebrate Charlotta's life will begin at the funeral home on Friday October 17th at 10 am, followed immediately by graveside service at Imler Valley Cemetery, on North Imler Valley Road, Imler PA 16655.
Friends and family are invited to a luncheon thereafter in celebration of Charlotta's life at Marzoni's Restaurant, 164 Patch Way Road, Duncansville, PA 16635.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following nonprofit organizations:
Saint Francis University, 117 Evergreen Drive, P.O. Box 600, Loretto, PA 15940, c/o The Grotto Fund
Spring Cove Educational Foundation, 1100 E. Main St., Roaring Spring, PA 16673
Conemaugh Nason Hospital Foundation, c/o Human Resources/Public Relations, 105 Nason Drive, Roaring Spring, PA 16673
UPMC Altoona Foundation, 620 Howard Ave, Altoona, PA 16601
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