Charlotte F. Monroe

Charlotte Francis Monroe, 64, born January 3, 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio and a resident of Sanford since 1979, lost her courageous battle to breast cancer early Friday morning, September 29, 2006. She stoically fought her illness for four years. Charlotte left her job in a local shoe factory after an accident at home. She devoted her life to babysitting for family and friends. She found great happiness and joy in the care and nurturing of her seven grandchildren. She had hoped to survive for the birth of her eighth grandchild, Tucker in December. Charlotte put her own life on hold to sit vigil at the bedside of her grandchildren during illness and surgery; especially her youngest grandson Gage during his many heart surgeries in his infancy. Sadly, she was unable to see him the last nine months of her life and she deeply missed his presence. Charlotte, or Sis, as she was referred to by her brother and sisters and many nieces and nephews was surrounded by most of her family and many family friends, many of whom found comfort and support from her throughout their lives. Charlotte always had an open door to anyone in need of a place to stay especially the many friends of her children and grandchildren, most of who referred to her as "Mom" or "Na-na". A celebration of Charlotte's life will be held at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street in Springvale on Wednesday, October 4th, at 3:00. She is survived by her loving husband of 20 years; Terrance Monroe, daughters Victoria Mitchell and Rebecca Martineau of Sanford; sons Dustin Azbell of Sanford and Christopher Roux of Hollis, sisters Laura Smiley, Jackie Wyman, Arline Cohen, Janis Crawford and Dawn Monroe. Her beloved grandchildren, Bryant Martineau, Brandon Martineau, Lindsie Mitchell, Michael Martineau Jr., Gage Azbell, Taylor Graffam, Madisyn Graham, in addition to Tucker Graffam in December. The family would also like to include Charlotte's beloved friend Ruth Hatch and family. Charlotte is pre-deceased by her father, Charles H. Gillingham;mother Francis S. (Baltz) Gillingham, brothers Sterling William (Sonny) Gillingham, and Charles H. Gillingham III.Condolences may be expressed by using the tab to the left.