Charlotte Ann (Trofimchuck) Curtis

Charlotte Ann (Trofimchuck) Curtis (née Vaira) Charlotte, Age 92, passed away peacefully on February 5th, 2026, under the loving care of Lightways Hospice at Serenity Estates in Morris, IL. She was born August 10, 1933, to Anton and Lucy Vaira in South Wilmington, IL. She graduated Gardner-South Wilmington High school in 1951 than In August of 1955 she married Frances A Trofimchuck and together had five children. From 8 years old Charlotte dreamed of flying. She obtained her dream at 18 years of age and took her first solo flight on Sept 20, 1952 at the Joliet Airport. She started her family at age 22 and returned to flying in 1971. She was the owner of Char’s Aviation at the Morris Airport in the 1970’s. She achieved her flight instructor rating and took great joy in sharing her passion as she taught numerous students how to fly. Pilots remember her as a local aviation legend. She was also a police dispatcher at the Coal City Police Department for a number of years. She enjoyed her faith and attended the catholic church in Coal City. God and prayers helped her through many trials and joyous occasions. But above all, her family was her greatest treasure. She enjoyed gathering with them and each family member was special in their unique way to her. She loved when her grandchildren came over for work days at her house and when they helped her every year decorate for Christmas. She felt greatly blessed to be called Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma and Great-Great-Grandma. She married the love of her life, Gary Curtis, on Sept 3, 1983 and enjoyed traveling in his company throughout his life with her. They were avid Chicago Bears fans fully engaged in each game and very excited throughout the games. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Gary Curtis, her siblings, Catherine Vaira, John (Jackie) Vaira, Sr. Patricia Vaira, Marilyn McLennan, Joseph Vaira, and her brother-in-law, John McLennan, special friend and sister-in-law, Judy (Trofimchuck) Vondracek, grandson in infancy, Jerry M Planeta, step-daughter, Tammy (Curtis) Wilsterman. She is survived by her children, Michael (Pat) Trofimchuck, Daniel Trofimchuck, Catherine (Jerry) Planeta, Mark Trofimchuck, Matthew (Jana) Trofimchuck. Her grandchildren, DJ (Michelle) Trofimchuck, Jason (Echo) Trofimchuck, John (Lucia) Trofimchuck, Brandi (Jason) Hamrick, Christine (Matt) Daigger, Alex (Ipek) Wilsterman, Matthew (Rachel) Trofimchuck, Shawn (Danielle) Planeta, Casey (Justin Richison) Wilsterman, Amanda (Anthony) Pogliano. Great-Grandchildren, Jacob Biggs, Calina (Josh) Bass, Chance (Nicole) Baxter, Kameron Biggs, Shaelyn Trofimchuck, Chayse Boomfield, Linkin Trofimchuck, Jaxon Trofimchuck, Maddix Trofimchuck, Teigan Trofimchuck, Jaxson Trofimchuck, Journey Trofimchuck, Grayson Trofimchuck, Huxlee Pogliano, Renae Trofimchuck, Roxzen Pogliano, Levi Trofimchuck, River Planeta, Ronin Richison and Nolan Daigger. Great-Great-Grandchildren, Iris Bass, Brexton Baxter, Killian Bass, Jettson Baxter. Visitation will be held at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Coal City, IL, on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Father Josh Miller officiating. Graveside service will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lightways Hospice of Joliet. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit Charlotte’s online guestbook at www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find us on Facebook. R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory 401 E. Main St., Braidwood, 815-458-2336 www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com

Charlotte Ann (Trofimchuck) Curtis

August 10, 1933 - February 5, 2026

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Charlotte Ann (Trofimchuck) Curtis

August 10, 1933 - February 5, 2026

What We Do

Local Florists

Contact Us

About Us

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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