Charlotte A. Voorde

Charlotte Voorde passed in the early morning hours of Monday, March 24th, 2025 from complications following double pneumonia. Charlotte had just celebrated her 83rd birthday beside her family.

Born March 22nd, 1942, Charlotte was the third of seven children born to Mayor Edward “Babe” and Theresa Muszik Voorde. She graduated from St. Patrick’s Grade School (‘55), Saint Mary’s Academy (‘59), and Saint Mary’s College (‘63). After graduation, Charlotte moved to Washington, DC. She spent the next forty years excelling on Capitol Hill and beyond, holding positions with Senator Vance Hartke, Senator Max Cleland, and the American Psychological Association. Though much of her career was spent on the “Senate Side” of Capitol Hill, she called “The House Side” home.

In 2002, Charlotte returned to South Bend to help her sister, Chris, to keep up with their mother’s active social calendar. Though retired in name, Charlotte never stopped working. She found satisfaction working part-time at Macy’s, leading the St. Joseph County Women’s Democratic Club, and attending Notre Dame football and men’s and women’s basketball games. As recently as the 2024 Election, Charlotte continued her tradition of registering voters and working early & absentee voting in the lobby of the County-City Building. Her retirement was further enriched through joining with friends for Euchre Club and Book Club.

Charlotte will be remembered for her hospitality, sense of humor, and spunk. Whether a holiday meal, birthday party, Notre Dame tailgate, or Book Club Christmas Party, Charlotte took great pride in hosting. She loved trying new recipes and treating her family and friends to homemade birthday cakes. She spent countless nights playing Euchre, Rummy, and Scrabble with her siblings and regularly drove through McDonald’s for a “Dollar Diet Coke.” She was undoubtedly happiest when she was warm: either cozied up in front of the fireplace or basking in the sunshine.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Edward F. “Babe Voorde and Theresa (Muszik), her sister, Frances Mary “Sis,” her brother, Edward, and sister Christine “Chris.” She is survived by three siblings: John and Paul Voorde, and Theresa “Tess” Ellett. Also surviving are her brother-in-law, Ric Ellett, and eleven nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Our Lady of Loretto on the campus of Saint Mary’s College. The family will receive guests beginning at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, 46556 or to The Sisters of the Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Indiana, 46556.

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