Lee Annette Charles

Lee Annette Charles, 78, a loving mother, devoted grandmother, and proud Air Force spouse of over 30 years, passed away unexpectedly on September 17, 2024 at her home in San Jose, California. Born in Bay City, Michigan on November 24, 1945, Lee lived a life full of adventure, faith, and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Lee dedicated over three decades to supporting her husband during his career in the United States Air Force, traveling the world and creating lasting memories in each place they called home. Despite the frequent relocations, she was the heart of her family, ensuring that every new post felt like home. Lee graduated from the Mercy College of Detroit as a registered nurse and spent many years in obstetrics and fertility, helping families bring new life into the world. Her compassionate care and expertise were invaluable to countless patients. In addition to her career and family, Lee was deeply involved in her community. She was an active San Jose Master Gardener, sharing her knowledge and passion for gardening with others, and was a dedicated supporter of the Catholic Daughters of Charity. Her faith and commitment to service were at the core of everything she did. Lee was also a proud supporter of the USO, continuously giving back to the military community that was so important to her family's life. A proud Michigander at heart, Lee was an avid fan of Detroit sports, always cheering for her favorite teams, including the Tigers, Lions, Pistons, and Red Wings. Her love of sports brought her great joy and a sense of connection to her roots, no matter where life took her. She was a cherished mother to Malissa Charles Etie and Ryan Charles of Morgan Hill, California; and a proud Nana to Ryleigh Etie, Madison Etie, Mason Charles, Tyler Charles, and Aiden Charles. Lee's home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She found immense joy in spending time with her family, nurturing her garden, and supporting causes she believed in. Lee's generosity, kindness, and dedication to service touched the lives of many, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the communities she so faithfully served. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jeffrey Riley Charles, daughter Malissa Charles Etie, her husband Stephen Etie; son Ryan Andrew Charles, his wife Janelle Charles; 5 grandchildren; and preceded in death by her parents; Virgil Roy, Mary Teresa Blazevich Roy, and sister Joanne Roy Kielb. A Rosary/Mass will be held at 12pm on October 12th at Saint Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church in Morgan Hill, California. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Daughters of Charity or the USO in her honor. Lee Annette Charles will be remembered for her unwavering love, her passion for helping others, her pride in her Detroit sports teams, and her lasting impact as a mother, grandmother, nurse, community leader, Air Force spouse, and the love for her country.