Charlotte A. Chilson

Charlotte Adeline Chilson, age 100, just shy of her 101st birthday, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born on August 16, 1925, Charlotte was the daughter of Gertrude Clark and George Teeter, and stepdaughter to Otto “Henry” Clark. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings Betty, Maxine, Robert, Jean and Gordon.

Charlotte’s first husband was Joseph Ryan, with whom she had her eldest son, Joseph “Joe” Ryan. She later married Bernard “Barney” Croft, and together they raised three children: Donald “Chip” Croft, Charlene “Charlie” Bower and Bernice “Bernie” Wilcox. She later married Meryl Chilson in 1986, who predeceased her in 2003. She was also predeceased by her children Joseph Ryan and Charlene Bower.

She is survived by her children Donald Croft and Bernice Wilcox. She was a proud grandmother to Nicholas Croft; Tim (Suzie) and Kyle (Michelle) Bower; Stephanie D’Arrigo, Casey (Jamie) Bak and Keith Wilcox; and Tammi Mathews and Tracy Ross. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren: Jaxson, Willow and Taytum (Stephanie); Jared (Nicholas); Emilia and Alexandra (Kyle and Michelle); Natalie and Wyatt (Casey and Jamie); Eric, Daniel, Sara and Emily (Tammi); and Robbie (Tracy), as well as countless nieces and nephews.

Charlotte lived a life defined by resilience, creativity and connection. She began working at age seventeen alongside her mother at Corning Glassworks, later helping transform the home she shared with Barney into Croft’s General Store. There, she waitressed while Barney cooked, and together they filled the space with music and laughter—he playing guitar while Charlotte sang.

She later earned her cosmetology license, working from home before becoming a hairdresser at James Square nursing home, where she met Meryl while he was visiting a loved one.

Charlotte’s love for music and strong faith in God guided her throughout her life. She delighted family and friends with her yodeling, sang at each of her children’s weddings, and was known for her quick wit and playful, mischievous sense of humor.

In her later years, she shared a special bond with her beloved 135-pound Great Dane, Kingsley, who never hesitated to climb into her lap.

Charlotte will be remembered for her warmth, strength, music, faith, and unwavering love for family.

Services will be private and held for family only. Flowers may be sent to Sears-Middleton-Matthewson Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212, and should be received on April 23, 2026.

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