Charlotte Silverman

It can be difficult to take care of a family and excel at the workplace at the same time, but Charlotte Silverman made it happen. She was driven to accomplish her career goals, cook her family a good meal and entertain with a flourish.

She was a woman in a man’s field, but while working her way up to the top, she still made time to spend with her children and grandchildren. Her independence stood out, yet she was never alone.

In 1940 as World War II engulfed Europe, on July 3rd of that same year, George Patrick and Hazel Helen (Shepherd) Rudolph of Grand Rapids, Michigan, welcomed their first child, little Charlotte Mary.

Charlotte, or Char as she was often known, and her four younger siblings spent most of their childhoods on Lexington Avenue on the northwest side of Grand Rapids. The family attended St. James Catholic Church.

There were six years between Char and her next sibling, so she often had responsibilities caring for the younger children. Char often looked out for them by holding their hands when crossing the street with a little squeeze as a reminder that they were safe with her. She taught her younger sisters how to dress nicely, style their hair and add the right finishing touch with her favorite red lipstick.

She would step in whenever she could, buying toy trucks for her younger brothers and even finding the perfect surfer shirt for her brother to wear to his party.

She first attended Mount Mercy Academy before graduating from Catholic Central High School.

Throughout Char’s child and teen years, her fierce independence and determination were clear. She experienced many challenges growing up and spent time living with her grandparents, Ma and DeDe, but she rose above the difficulties. She worked hard to exceed expectations at everything she set out to do.

Char met Edward Elderkin in high school and later they were married. They moved to Wyoming, Michigan, and had three children together. Even though they parted ways, the two remained friends who were dedicated and worked together to support their children.

Char wanted her children to have a good life and worked tirelessly to provide not only what they needed, but also countless memorable experiences. She taught them to ski and took them to Broadway musicals, Disney World, and many family vacations. She loved classical music and oldies, often playing them at full volume throughout their home on Hill Street.

Whenever a birthday or holiday came around, she made it into a true celebration, always wanting special occasions to be memorable for her children and family. Along with all the fun and joy she created, Char also taught her children important values. They understood that things had a cost, and they learned the importance of planning, working hard, and earning what they wanted.

Char’s career path started at the Pantlind Hotel in Grand Rapids, which later became the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. She was a server in the ballroom. While setting up for an event, she was dancing and twirling around. In true Char's flair, she kicked up her leg and her shoe flew up in the air and hit the chandelier.

She soon found her true calling in the world of sales. She began her career at Gantos, later selling calculators and then uniforms for Model Coverall, before moving on to General Foods. Eventually, she found lasting success with the Carla Corporation, where she sold fine gold jewelry. Her work took her throughout the state, and in a field that was largely dominated by men at the time, Char truly stood out. She was a gifted saleswoman with a natural talent for persuasion and an instinct for always knowing the right thing to say. Combined with her strong competitive spirit, those qualities consistently placed her at the top of the sales charts.

When Char wasn’t working, she loved spending time at home. One of her favorite activities throughout the years was hosting family for a special dinner. She detailed menus and guests on recipe cards that she kept her whole life. She was an excellent cook - her homemade chili, soups, and Jello cheesecake were family staples.

Though Char liked being home, she rarely stayed in the same house for long. Always looking for a new project, she would buy a house, fix it up, sell it, and do it all again at a different house. Most of her homes were on the west side of Grand Rapids, although she also lived in the suburbs of Detroit. The family would often travel there for brunches and holidays.

As the years passed, Char grew more drawn to the comfort of home and the joy of being surrounded by family. Whenever she entertained, the table was always beautifully set, accompanied by delicious food prepared with care. She made it a priority to attend as many of her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events as she could, always wanting to support and celebrate them.

She subscribed to the Daily Word and often gifted subscriptions to family members, continually seeking positive affirmations to guide her through life. She loved watching classic movies, with Elvis among her favorites.

In her later years, when she needed additional care, Char moved to Raybrook at Holland Home, where her feisty yet sweet personality quickly made her a favorite among the staff. She was also well known for her signature red glasses, which often drew compliments wherever she went.

Char believed that achieving goals started with a mindset. She disliked negativity, choosing to focus on positive ideas, expecting the best even while preparing for the worst. She always followed through on plans and worked hard to get where she wanted. She was a self-made woman, and wanted to prove her capability to do things on her own.

Charlotte passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Through good times and bad, she focused on her goals and worked for what was important to her. She applied that same grit and determination to her family relationships as well, always making time for them with insight and support.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, hospitality, and hard work that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her generosity, warmth, and deep devotion to family will be profoundly missed, yet her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she loved most.

During her final Christmas, she gave each member of her family a cozy blanket — a simple but meaningful gift that will forever remind them of her love, comfort, and thoughtfulness.

Charlotte is survived by her children: Juliet Schaafsma and Steve Rosema, Jeff and Cheri Elderkin, and Melissa and Howard Quinn; grandchildren: Breanna, Madalin, Eddie, Michael, Samantha, Gavin, Jade, and Gabriel; great-grandchildren: Corey, Brea, Dante, Olivia, Paisley, Lilliana, Jayliana, Zayvian, Lincoln, Luna, and Hudson; brother and sisters: Barbara Lester, Mary Munson, and Jack and Marlene Rudolph; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Greg Randolph.

A time to remember and celebrate Char’s life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 12 Noon at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends are invited to visit with Char’s family beginning at 11 AM, and there will be additional time to continue to share stories and refreshments immediately following the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to AYA Youth Collective are appreciated. To share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.