On June 21, Charlotte Vondrak Sproul passed away at the age of 67 in the comfort of her Moraga home, surrounded by friends and family.

Charlotte was born on October 10, 1949 in Florence, Alabama. She was an active member of the UC Berkeley campus community, having served as Program Manager for Cal Discoveries travel, the Cal Alumni Association travel program, for more than 10 years. She also served on the CAA Board of Directors for three years and as the Chairperson for UC Berkeley Charter Day for three years. She graduated from UC Berkeley in 1971 with a BA in Education and in 1975 with an MAT in French.

Charlotte's enthusiasm for life, family, and travel was gigantic and infectious. All who encountered her were profoundly moved by her remarkable combination of grit and grace with which she faced the last couple of years. Charlotte was an avid traveler and a loyal Cal fan, and loved animals and the outdoors. She was particularly fond of South Africa, having always felt a deep connection to the country and its people since she first visited there in 2007. As a testament to Charlotte's indomitable spirit, the guides on her last trip to Botswana named a young female leopard after her. Her decision to passionately embrace life right up to the end is nothing less than heroic. While she is no longer with us physically, her generous heart and incredible spirit touched many and will serve as inspiration to others for years to come.

Former President of the Cal Alumni Association and family friend, Jefferson Coombs, had this to say about Charlotte: "Our shared passion for Cal, our love of building community, your strong leadership (founding the Lamorinda Cal Alumni Club) and most importantly your creative, welcoming, productive, innovative spirit were immediately characteristics I gravitated toward. I will always cherish our evenings in (your) backyard, dinners, great wine, conversations about travel, our university and culture in general. You will always be a special part of my life and our lives. Thank you for the lasting positive impression you made on this world."

Charlotte is survived by her husband, Robert Gordon Sproul III, her brothers John Vondrak and Joe Vondrak, and her two children, Carly Cook and Nicholas Sproul.

The Sproul family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Best Friends Animal Society, the Cal Alumni Association Charlotte Sproul TAAP Scholarship, and the Eagle Hill School in Massachusetts. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 15th at 11:00 am at St. Stephen's Church in Orinda.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jun. 23 to Jun. 30, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Charlotte Sproul

25 Entries

David Pearse

June 17, 2020

Hard to believe it's already been three years. But she kept pounding to the very end. I think she was only in Hospice a day or two before passing. Very courageous lady. Hope I can be just as courageous fighting the same disease.

David Pearse

June 17, 2019

We never forget. Condolences again to the Sproul family for losing such a precious individual. As for the rest of us, KEEP POUNDING!

December 17, 2018

Hello Bob and family.
we just found out about Charlotte's 2017 death. She really made our Antarctic adventure into something special. So saddened by your loss. Bob & Doretta Marwin Chicago-land. [email protected]

Melissa Barker

August 14, 2017

Dear Bob & Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Charlotte was such a kind and wonderful soul. It deeply saddens me that I did not have more time with her. Sending love. -Melissa

Tim and Debbie Maroney

July 15, 2017

Dear RG and family ... While Tim and I can't be with you today as you celebrate Charlotte's life, please know that we are with you in spirit. We are celebrating her life with our memories and praying for peace and joy for you. While we came late to the "fan club" we have been blessed with knowing her and you for the last four years. Our trip to Antarctica was blessed by meeting you both and being "adopted" into the Cal orb. Since that time we have enjoyed sharing your lives and hearing about your world travels. We recall the sound of her laughter and her joy of life.

We know that Charlotte is in a place where life is eternal and love abounds.

We call to mind CS Lewis "Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything" ... and hold to the Beatitudes that "blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." We pray that knowing that there are so many people who are holding Charlotte and those she loved in thier thoughts and prayers will bring you comfort this day and in the days to come.

Bev Lorens

July 14, 2017

Charlotte was the Cal leader on my first ever trip to Europe in 2015- She was an inspiration, doing special touches like acknowledging the 4th of July with a plastic American flag ring for all her UCB bear cubs. I still have the ring- it brings a smile to my face.

City

July 13, 2017

Charlotte- I see you running through the Sierra's- wind in your blonde hair, sunshine on your shoulders, strong tan legs jumping over granite, bright smile sparkling on your face. A wonderful mother and loving wife. Sending love and our condolences to the whole Sproul family from the Kelly/Ulmer/Gonzales family.

Judy Carpenter

July 3, 2017

RG and Family -- Charlotte was a fine woman. I knew her as kind and thoughtful contributor to the family holidays when Cara Mae and my Dad enjoyed their years together in Napa. What a mom, wife, and sister! Time has gone on, but your Charlotte's smiles and interests remain. I will join you in spirit as your family gathers to remember her on July 15. Judy Carpenter

A remarkable woman!

Rosalie Govek

June 30, 2017

David Pearse

June 30, 2017

I have the same cancer as Charlotte had, and I can only hope I will face it with the same grace and courage with which Charlotte faced hers. Such a fighter and positive person right till the end. How stunningly admirable.

Richard Rasmussen

June 30, 2017

RG, I was so saddened to read this morning in the Chronicle of Charlotte's passing. I only got to know her relatively recently on road trips and at football games, but she always impressed me as a delightful and caring person, interested in everything around her. She never failed to ask about my medical problems, though she was going through more than I was. You and your kids were so lucky to have had her as a wife and mother. My thoughts are with you all.

Marilyn Gonzales ( formally Kelly)

June 27, 2017

I was deeply sad when I heard from Heather that Charlotte had passed. I have so many fond memories with all of you at Echo lake. I had a dream the other night that I met her on the dock and we ran to the top of Ralston and watched the shooting stars! My deepest love and support to all of you. Charlotte and I had so much fun together. Thank you Bob for including our family for treks to Echo! My best life memories..

Bobbi Baur

June 27, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I enjoyed talking to Charlotte the few times we met. She was always smiling and you could see the love for her family.

Denise Walsh

June 26, 2017

John and I send our heartfelt love and thoughts to all of you.

Carol Burnstein (Stoney)

June 26, 2017

Some people live on in hearts and minds. Charlotte is one of those people. Always a smile and the energy to give so much to so many.
My thoughts and love go out to the family.

Pamela Lemkin

June 26, 2017

I had the pleasure of meeting and traveling through Morroco with Charlotte and RG. Charlottes love of travel was instantly aparrent and our adventure together was unforgettable. My sincere condolences to RG and all the family at the loss of their wife, mother , and friend. Rest In Peace Charlotte.

Adelaide Kelly-Massoud

June 26, 2017

The Sproul family has been friends of my family for as long as I can remember. Although I didnt see them often, or keep in touch as well as I could have my father, Doug Kelly, always kept me in the loop of how they have been doing through the years. It pains me that the family had to experience this loss. Charlotte was always kind to me. As for memories, it is because of Charlotte I have the wonderful memories of riding a train in Portugal with my late grandparents and drinking hot chocolate out of exquisite porcelain in a beautiful ballroom. I am the child of one of their business partners and friends yet, somehow I always felt they supported me and that is something very special. I wish the family well as they celebrate Charlotte. With love Adelaide and the Massoud family.

Russell Gammon

June 26, 2017

The African's have a saying, "I hope that when death finds you, it finds you alive!" and no-one I have ever met was more "alive" than Charlotte, from our first meeting to our final safari together earlier this year, she was always engaged, inquisitive and brimming with compassion for all peoples and creatures that she encountered. "Hamaba gashle"- Go in peace!

June 25, 2017

Bless you RG as you grieve and remember. And safe travels Charlotte. Writing from Madagascar, I understand your love for the African people and their culture.
Xoxo
Pam Harris

Tom McGuire

June 25, 2017

Charlotte was a very dear and kind person. When I first started working with RG she immediately helped me find a place to live (ironically an in-law in her in-law's house) and welcomed me into her and RG's circle of friends. Over the years we shared many, many wonderful dinners, picnics, and fun times. Joyce and I will miss her deeply.

John Coleman

June 25, 2017

Charlotte's poise and sense of humor made conversations interesting, informative and fun. She always seemed to know what to say and how to say it and the world less fun and dignified without her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Bonnie Smith

June 24, 2017

Charlotte loved to travel and Africa had a special place in her heart. Our husbands were going to climb Kilamanjaro and then meet the rest of the group for a safari in Tanzania. She heard that I was reluctant to travel alone and offered to meet me in San Francisco . It was because of her kindness that I was able to experience one of the most magical times of my life. When I think of Africa, I will think of Charlotte and her love of adventure. We will miss you, Charlotte.

Christy Campbell

June 24, 2017

Charlotte always had a great sense of humor. I remember being in Scotland with her and deciding that we should produce a big, full color coffee table book entitled "Bathrooms We have Known and Loved...or not" with full pictures of some of the more "colorful" bathrooms we found around the world. We nicknamed Charlotte the Bathroom Maven. She was the expert!!
I will so miss your laugh, your wonderful sense of humor and your total enthusiasm for life, dear friend. There's a permanent void in my life, now.

June 24, 2017

Charlotte always had a great sense of humor. I remember being in Scotland with her and deciding we'd write a big, lovely, picture book for the coffee table called "Bathrooms We have Known and Loved...or not" because of some of the "unusual" bathroom situations we found ourselves in. Charlotte was nicknamed the Bathroom Maven!

I will miss your smile, your laugh and your total enthusiasm for life, dear friend.

Zack Smith

June 23, 2017

Bob, Nick, and Carly: I was so saddened to hear of Charlotte's passing. We all enjoyed following you both on Facebook on all your incredible travels together, and I'm so glad Charlotte was able to do what she loved until the very end. We'll mis running into Charlotte around town and catching up on how our families are doing. You will always be our neighbors and we send you our warmest thoughts and prayers. Love, the Smiths - Eric, Nadine, Zack, Ryan, and Sabrina

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