Charlotte Ethel Stratton of Grahamsville passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at Garnet Health Medical Center. She was 90.
She was the daughter of the late Philip Coombe Sr. and Ethel Irwin Coombe, born on June 4, 1932 in Kearny, NJ.
Charlotte met her future husband, Vernon “Bud” Stratton while spending summers with their families in Grahamsville. They married on June 5, 1954 and made their home and operated the family dairy farm for 50 years.
She was a cherished and loved sibling, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Many knew Charlotte from Tri-Valley School where she was a dedicated “Master Teacher” for over 30 years, until her retirement in 1997. She was awarded the “Ruth G. Scully Award” for her excellence and dedication to her students. Charlotte had a special gift for bringing out the best in her students at every level. Many Students called her “Mom”: because of her loving guidance.
Charlotte enjoyed her family and friends, talking with them daily. Aside from teaching and farming, her hobbies were gardening, cooking, knitting, and feeding the birds. She was an avid Yankee’s fan and loved watching college basketball. The UCONN Huskies were her favorite team. She was kind, loving and will truly be missed by her family, friends, students, and community.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Lynn McDonald, Vernon Stratton Jr., and his wife Cynde, Elaine Charlotte Iatauro and her husband Joseph, and Laurie Clark and her husband Trendell, her grandchildren; Chris McDonald and his wife Nicole, Joseph Iatauro Jr., and his wife Amy, Heather Charlotte Mowles and her husband Greg, David McDonald and his girlfriend Kimberly Hunter, her great grandchildren; Haley, Luke, Gabby, Kaylee, Kyle, Shay, Bryce, and Reid, her siblings; Phyllis Gillette, Philip Coombe Jr and his wife Carolyn, Marilyn Stewart and her husband William, and Richard Coombe and his wife Phyllis. She was predeceased by her devoted husband Vernon “Bud” Stratton, her sons-in-law Wesley Moshier and Dr. Harold McDonald and brother-in-law, John Gillette.
In lieu of flowers donations in Charlotte’s name can be made to Ellenville Hospital ER, St. Jude’s Children Hospital, Daniel Pierce Library and The Time and Valley Museum.
There will be a graveside service at Grahamsville Rural Cemetery on Monday, June 13, 2022 at 11:00am with Rev. Paul Z. Ruter officiating.
Arrangements were under the care of Colonial Family Funeral Homes, for further information please call 845-434-7363 or visit www.colonialbryantfuneralhome.com.