Charlotte May Connor, of Antigo, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at St. Ann's Salvatorian Campus in Milwaukee. She was 83 years old; born on May 31, 1929, in Phelps, Wisconsin, the first child of the late Cecil (Red) and Rose (Kernohan) Simpson.
She graduated from Phelps Union Free High School in May, 1947, in Phelps. In May 1951, Charlotte graduated from Milwaukee Hospital as a Registered Nurse.
She married Henry John Connor, originally from Webster, Wisconsin, on June 30, 1956 at The Highland Avenue Methodist Church in Milwaukee. Henry, a veteran of World War II, preceded her in death on October 15, 1966.
Charlotte then moved from Milwaukee to Antigo in 1967 to raise her children in the loving company of her parents who had previously moved to Antigo. She was employed as a Registered Nurse at Eastview Medical and Rehabilitation Center and at the Langlade Memorial Hospital, both in Antigo. She retired in 1995 at age 65.
Her parents, husband, children, grandchildren, siblings, other family members and friends were first and foremost in her life. Charlotte was always there for her children while they were growing up and throughout their lives. She was also close to many of her children's friends.
She was an avid reader and enjoyed watching sports on television, especially the Green Bay Packers.
Survivors include two daughters, Cindy Connor (Larry Duvall), Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and Sandy (Steve) Destrampe, Grafton, Wisconsin; three sons, Jon (Chris) Connor, Bettendorf, Iowa; Franklin (Susan) Connor, Madison, Wisconsin and William (Anna Marie), Connor, Littleton, Colorado. Grandchildren include Mark (Noelle) Destrampe and daughter, Nora; Angela Connor and son, Jaden; Eric (Kristin) Destrampe and daughter, Kyleigh; Shaun (Julie) Destrampe, Caitlin Duvall, Rachael Connor, Maria Destrampe, Elena Destrampe, Samantha Connor and Alexandra Connor.
Charlotte was the eldest of 11 children. Other survivors include siblings Rita Reeve, Bill Simpson, Mary Johnson, Joan Tuula, Sandy Rankinen, Dan Simpson, Jim Simpson, Cheryl Zastrow and Steve Simpson.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Karen Libby (February 2011).
A prayer service will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 5 p.m. at The Bradley Funeral Home, Antigo, with Pastor Wes Jedras officiating. Charlotte wished to be cremated and her family will host a celebration of life gathering this summer in Antigo with burial then taking place at Orange/Lakeside Cemetery in Webster, next to her husband.
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Antigo, WI 54409
I met Charlotte through Rose and Red, who were like my grandparents. I lived on 7th Ave and R/R lived on 8th Ave prior to moving to Weed Street. I have so many fond memories of everyone in the Simpson family and was deeply saddened to learn of Charlotte's passing. To everyone, especially Cindy, Sandy and Bill...please accept my deepest sympathy. I won't be able to attend the service this weekend but hold you all in my prayers.
Amy and I started our family in 1999 while living in Antigo. It was not long after our son Markus was born that he and "Rarr" become buds as he would spend time with her as we juggled our work and family schedules. From digging in the toy bin in the guest room to watching Barney, they had some special time together. When visiting Antigo after we moved, we enjoyed visiting Char with the kids. She took a fond and sincere interest in seeing them grow up. But most of all, we'll always remember the close bond Aunt Char developed with Markus.
I remember my dad (Kenny Johnson) saying that you could always count on a delicious cup of Sanka at Aunt Char's house! I remember how pretty her hands were, like Grandma Rose's, and how beautiful her gestures could be...and how she would cup my face in her hands just like Grandma used to do. Aunt Char had a wonderfully dry sense of humor, as well as the gift of being able to pay complete attention...which could be both delightful and unnerving...and she was an amazing babysitter and second grandma to our beloved Markus J when Paul and Amy lived in Antigo. Everyone in the Johnson and Simpson clans will miss her immensely.
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