New Glasgow - Charlotte Anne (Ross) Chabassol, 1920 - 2011 passed away peacefully on February 5, with her son and daughter by her side. Born in Trenton, NS, she was the youngest of four daughters born to the late Richard and Ruth (Smith) Ross. She spent her early life in Trenton, and was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Until poor health necessitated a change, she was a resident of Shelburne St. and later Garden Suites, New Glasgow. Charlotte lived with her husband and children in Westville for many years and later moved to New Glasgow. She was active in her church and community. Charlotte was the church organist at the Church of the Holy Name, Westville, for 34 years, a devoted member of the Catholic Women's League for over 58 years and a frequent lay reader at mass. Charlotte had an engaging personality and had many friends whom she loved to entertain. She particularly enjoyed traveling and trying new things. She was an avid skater and did so into her early eighties. Charlotte particularly enjoyed the cherished times spent with her life-long friends in her card club. She was a faithful and familiar visitor to Riverton to spend time with her daughter, Charlotte. She was past president of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Riverview Adult Residential Centre and a former member of the Aberdeen Hospital Auxiliary. Charlotte was always community minded. As the choir director for the Heritage Group Choir, she and the group frequently volunteered their talents entertaining at local events and nursing homes. In 1997, she was awarded the Town of Westville's Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award. She will be sadly missed and her memory forever treasured by her daughter, Ruth (Peter) Williamson, Bridgewater; son Richard (Joanne), Sydney; daughter Charlotte, Riverton; son-in-law Michael Gauthier, Ottawa; seven grandchildren: Charles (Janet) Williamson; Peter (Elizabeth) Williamson; Helene Gauthier-Hutt (Jamie); Michael (Vicki) Gauthier; Dr. Paula Carmichael (Dr. Stephen); Allison and Claire Chabassol, and fourteen great grandchildren. Also surviving is her very special nephew, Gerald and wife Muriel Ross, Trenton as well as her niece, Eleanor and husband Frank Maraldo, St. Catherine's, ON. She was predeceased by her best friend and devoted husband, Joseph (1978) and in 1998 stoically faced the loss of her much-loved twins, William (Dolores) and Anne (Michael). She was predeceased by her loving and faithful daughter-in-law, Dolores (2003) and her sisters, Rena (Isaac) Simpson, Ella (Aubrey) MacPherson and Mary (Robert) Chapman. Above all, Charlotte was unwavering in her devotion and love of family. She enjoyed her frequent visits to Bridgewater and Sydney and took great pleasure in seeing and hearing about her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her home was filled with their pictures and accomplishments. As well as many treasured memories, she leaves behind for her family the gift of a life lived with kindness, and compassion for others. The family extends a sincere thank you to her long-time housekeeper and friend, Peggy Huggan. She was blessed to have in her life dear friends, especially Marianna MacMillan and Helen Jordan who accompanied her on outings and visited her regularly. The family would also like to extend their sincere thanks to her doctor of many years, Dr. J. G. Forbes and the caring and attentive staff at Valley View Villa. Her remains have been entrusted to the R.H. Porter Funeral Home where visitation will take place 2-4 and 7-9 pm Monday. Funeral mass celebrating Charlotte's life will be 2 pm Tuesday at St. John the Baptist, Roman Catholic Church, New Glasgow, with Father Gary MacPherson officiating. Interment will be in Church of the Holy Name Cemetery, Westville, at a later date. Donations in Charlotte's memory may be made to the Catholic Women's' League in care of St. John the Baptist, Roman Catholic Church, 390 High St., New Glasgow, B2H 2X7, the Diabetic Association or to a charity of choice. Condolences at: www.rhporter.ca

"Your memory is our keepsake,
With which we'll never part.
God has you in his keeping,
We have you in our hearts."