Charlotte Knapp Andrea

Charlotte Knape Andrea, aged 84, passed away peacefully in her home in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 24, 2006. She was born in Grand Rapids July 26, 1921 and graduated from St. Stephan's elementary school, Marywood Academy, 1939, and Northwestern University, 1943, with a B.A. in mathematics and psychology. She was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew Andrea, 1993; her parents, Mayme Fritz Knape, 1980, her father John C. Knape, 1978; and her sister, Winefred Knape, 1980. Charlotte is survived by her five children, Matthew Andrea, (children Marie Claire and Francesca) of Washington D.C., Catherine Andrea of Ann Arbor, Martha Andrea (Ralph Lapham) of Bellevue, Idaho, Laurie Andrea (Nano Arenas) of Grand Rapids, and Bruce Andrea of Durango, Colorado. Charlotte is survived by her four siblings, Geraldine Getzoff (David) of New Smyra Beach, Florida, Herb Knape (Glenna) of Grand Rapids, Mildred Smolenski (William) of Grand Haven, and Mary Ellen Thomas (Robert) of Spring Lake. She is survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. After graduation from college, Charlotte worked for Diesel Equipment in Grand Rapids before marrying her husband Matthew in 1944. Charlotte was an avid gardener belonging to both the Grand Rapids Garden Club and the South Haven Garden Club. For many years she propagated African violets to give as gifts. She was an international ambassador working with Youth for Understanding and The Experiment in International Living directing programs and coordinating home stays for hundreds of young adults. Charlotte was a world traveler and would visit many of the grown youths who had stayed in her home. She was a terrific photographer who could capture the stunning vistas of her travels, the faces of all the international people she met, and the beauties of God's creation in flowers and insects and ice crystals. She was an amateur archeologist and geologist and knew the name of every fossil and stone that washed up on the beaches of Lake Michigan. Charlotte was also a creative artist making intricate flower arrangements from bread dough and Christmas ornaments from egg shells; sewing designer clothes, decorating miniature Christmas trees, beading; and mastering endless other crafts. Charlotte is well loved and will be missed by all her family and friends, will be remembered for her generosity to others, her continued quest for knowledge, her perseverance with all her endeavors, and the examples she set for all of us. Visitation will be at O'Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE Tuesday March 28, 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday one hour prior to the service at church. Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. Liturgy of Christian Burail will be held at St. Stephen's Church, 750 Gladstone, SE at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 29. Charlotte will be buried at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven next to her husband. Contributions in Charlotte's memory may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters, 2025 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3895. O'Brien Eggebeen Gerst