CHARLOTTE LUCILLE DUNAJ

    Charlotte Lucille Dunaj, née Swietek, was born at her home in Chicago, Illinois, on December 12, 1926. After almost 98 years of accomplishments, Charlotte passed on November 18, 2024, in Riverside, California. Charlotte's parents, Joseph and Bernice, emigrated from Poland, met in Chicago, and wed in 1912. Their five daughters were remarkably distinctive women -- Josephine, Valerie, Janet, Charlotte, and Dolores.
    Charlotte inherited her stoic work ethic from her entrepreneurial parents. She never hesitated to help at her parents' tavern. In the 1940's, after years of clerical experience, Charlotte's mother encouraged her to strive for a worthy position. Charlotte followed this advice and became an executive secretary for Marshall Field & Company, an elegant and renowned department store in Chicago.
    In 1942, Charlotte became engaged to Edward (see engagement photo above). While Edward was serving as a sergeant and gunner radio operator in the U.S. Army Air Forces, she was volunteering to help with the war effort. Their "earthly" marriage began on November 29, 1947. Charlotte's beloved niece and goddaughter, Alicia (Josephine's daughter), was the flower girl. They shared 54 anniversaries until Edward's passing on February 18, 2002 (his 80th birthday). Charlotte was the sole caregiver for Edward during his final days.
    Edward's career as a field microwave engineer with Motorola resulted in the family's move westward. Homes were established in New Mexico, Arizona, and finally, California. Family members were added along the journey. Charlotte and Edward's created family included four sons: Bryan [wife and partner, Lynnea], David [wife and partner, Maureen], Jeffrey [wife and partner, Laura], and Peter [partner, Michael]. At the time of her passing, Charlotte was the devoted, generous, and attentive mother of four, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of eight.
    Valuing the importance of education -- and after becoming a mother of four sons -- Charlotte earned her high school diploma. She then studied to earn an Associate of Arts degree from Riverside City College. Charlotte enjoyed studying botany, literature, and music. Her botany knowledge enhanced her love of gardening. In 1971, Charlotte resumed her secretarial and administrative support career by joining the staff at the Riverside Police Department. The characters on a keyboard often were erased by Charlotte's "lightning fast" fingers. After a long day of typing, she did not hesitate to use her skill to complete a school project for a son. Because of her devotion to her sons, she rejected a promotion to be the secretary for the chief of police. It was more important to have a flexible schedule so she could attend school and sports events. After 40 years of dedicated service, Charlotte retired in 2011. She was honored to receive a letter of commendation from President Barack Obama.
    Charlotte enjoyed traveling. One of her greatest experiences was being in Berlin on the night of Germany's reunification in 1990. She loved cooking her favorite Polish foods. Every holiday season, her kitchen became a factory for making pierogi and chrusciki. Charlotte shared her chrusciki with family, friends, and coworkers. She was thrilled that her beloved grandson, Jason (Bryan's son), continued this holiday cooking tradition. Every task was accomplished with precision -- from making a sandwich to typing a thirty-page police report.
She always wanted to evoke a smile by sharing a clever joke. Charlotte was dignified, principled, and steadfast. She embraced these principles: liberality, acceptance, empathy, equality, fairness, and honesty. Charlotte's choices were the epitome of the Women's Liberation Movement. Gratitude and thoughtfulness mattered. She always showed appreciation for any kindness. She always celebrated important dates and events in the lives of everyone she knew.
    Charlotte expressed her liberal principles through her vote. In 1968, during a presidential campaign, she had the great pleasure of meeting Ethel Kennedy. Charlotte admired her ability to be a devoted mother, a supportive wife, and an activist for human rights. They had much in common. In addition to their shared achievements, they were both born in Chicago, and they both passed in the same year. Charlotte was a member of the "greatest generation" -- the generation that experienced the Great Depression and World War II. The generation that stoically struggled and thrived, embracing the hope of creating a peaceful world.

A celebratory mass will be held at Charlotte's parish, St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church in Riverside. It will be held on January 24, 2025, at 10am.

The Riverside Chief of Police, Larry V. Gonzalez, will be in attendance to honor Charlotte.

Interment will immediately follow the mass. Charlotte will be interred in Edward's niche at the Riverside National Cemetery.

A reception will be held at The Old Spaghetti Factory in Riverside at 2pm. All are welcome.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, California

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