OBIT: Charlotte Louise “Charnie” (Montgomery) Tarasi (Kittanning)

Charlotte Louise “Charnie” (Montgomery) Tarasi, 80, died on Monday, June 30, 2014 at her home in Kittanning.

She was born on May 22, 1934 in Kittanning to Harry A. Montgomery and Ethyl (Zellefrow) Montgomery.

She graduated from Kittanning Senior High School in 1952, and went on to attend the Presbyterian University School of Nursing, graduating in 1955.

She continued to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1982. She graduated from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Nursing for School Practitioner’s in 1988.

Charlotte also worked as a school nurse for the Armstrong School District, Highlands School District, and the Freeport School District before retiring in 1996.

Charlotte was an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society since 1970, where she held offices on the Board of Directors and the coordinator of the Reach to Recovery Program, in addition to being a 59-year cancer survivor.

In addition, Charlotte was a member of the Altar Rosary Society and a minister of the Eucharist at the Saint Lawrence Catholic Church in Cadogan.

She was also a member of the Kittanning Gardening Club, General Richard Butler Chapter of the DCAR, the Presbyterian University Hospital Nurses Association, and the Armstrong Counter Nurses Association.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan T. Bowie and husband, Colonel Robert D. Bowie of Upper Marlboro, Md.; son, Harry A. Tarasi and wife Theresa (Terri) Tarasi of Natrona, Pa.; six grandchildren: Frank, Dennis, Julie, and Daniel Tarais and Samantha and Sydney Bowie; one sister, Laura “Lolly” E. Mohney and spouse Paul Mohney of Kittanning; and daughter-in-law, Susan M. Tarasi of Ankeny, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; former husband, Frank L. Tarasi, Jr.; and son, Frank L. Tarasi, III.

Friends and family will be welcomed from 2-4 and 6-9 Friday, July 4, 2014 at the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home in Kittanning.

A funeral mass will be held at 10AM Saturday, July 5, 2014 at St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church in Cadogan. Reverend Alan Grote will be the celebrant. Interment will take place in Kittanning Cemetery.

Contributions in Charlotte’s memory can be made to the charity of one’s choice.