Jean Marie Charles

April 16, 1931 – November 13, 2025
Jean Marie Charles, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother,
cousin and friend, passed away surrounded by family on November 13, 2025. Born in Kingston,
PA on April 16, 1931, Jean was the daughter of John J. Grausam and Anna Kartachak
Grausam, and the sister of Barbara (Grausam) Lovenstein. She graduated from Kingston High
School in Pennsylvania before beginning a life marked by service, adventure, and deep
devotion to her family.
Shortly after high school, Jean met the love of her life, Richard Joseph Charles Sr. and they
married on January 22, 1949. As a proud military wife, Jean lived in numerous states and
countries, embracing each new community with grace and enthusiasm. Her journey took her
from Kingston, PA, to Baltimore, MD; Newfoundland; New York; Connecticut; Virginia;
Wiesbaden, Germany; and ultimately to North Highlands, Roseville, and Citrus Heights,
California. Each place she lived left lasting memories and lifelong friendships.
Jean dedicated herself to both family and community. She was a devout Catholic and was
involved in many organizations, including the Air Force Sergeants Association Auxiliary, the
Business & Professional Women's Organization, and St. Clare's Italian Catholic Federation. She
was also a key organizer of the North Highlands Moonwalk Festival, where her leadership and
energy helped bring joy to countless families.
Alongside her husband, she helped build and operate Charles Catering Service, a business that
reflected her love of hospitality and her ability to bring people together through food and
celebration. She enjoyed traveling, specifically to Hawaii and also loved cruising.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anna Grausam; her husband, Richard
Charles Sr.; her sister, Barbara (Grausam) Lovenstein; her son and daughter-in-law, Richard
Charles Jr. and Louise Charles; and her granddaughter, Jaclyn Charles.
She is survived by her daughters Robin Hutcheson (Steve) and Dawn Klundt. She leaves
behind cherished grandchildren: Jennifer Ostlund (Travis), Peter Klundt (Ashley), Matthew
Klundt (Heather), Timothy Klundt, and Mary Gunnels (Alex); many great-grandchildren; cousins
Tom & Pam Kartachak, David (Lydia) Kartachak, Donna (Dale) Kartachak; and numerous nieces
and nephews.
Jean will be remembered for her kindness, her steadfast support of her family, her community
spirit, and her unwavering resilience. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved
her.
In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a
cause close to her heart.
Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at St. Clare Catholic Church in
Roseville, California at 12:00PM. She will be laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National
Cemetery in Dixon, California on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 10:15AM.
Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with loved ones who have passed before
her and that her life's love, generosity, and strength will continue to guide future generations.