Charlotte Elizabeth (Buck) Carey
Charlotte Carey, 84, went to her eternal rest on Friday, June 19, 2026, due to injuries sustained from a fall.
Charlotte was born on February 12, 1942, in Allegan, Michigan, the daughter of Leland and Josephine (Ice) Buck. Charlotte grew up in Hopkins, Michigan, attended Hopkins High School, and later graduated from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, majoring in education.
Char became an elementary school teacher until an interesting opportunity arose to apply to be a “stewardess”, (as flight attendants were then called!), led her to a position with United Airlines. It was there that she met her husband Bruce, who was a pilot for UAL.
Char and Bruce moved to Elgin, Illinois, bought a house, and eventually raised their children there.
Char will be forever remembered for her fun, outgoing personality, her laundry prowess (she could get a stain out of anything!), her steadfast belief in God, her fantastic Texas Sheet Cake, and her total commitment to all her family. She had an uncanny memory and was interested in all the lives of all her friends and their families. She was a generous and loving friend who never missed a birthday or anniversary, sending cards with her perfect handwriting. Char always enjoyed the summers at Duck Lake in Eagle River, Wisconsin, especially when her beloved grandkids came to stay.
Charlotte and Bruce were long-time members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Elgin. She was a member of PEO, a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities for women.
Charlotte is survived by her husband of fifty-seven years; and her children, Christopher (Jennifer) Carey of Keller, Texas, and Kathleen (Trent) Tomlin of Frisco, Texas; as well as five grandchildren, Emma, Lyla, and Lauren Carey; and Cooper and Tyler Tomlin. Also, a brother, Ed (Sarah) Buck of Michigan; and nephews, Jonathan, Linden II, and Brian Buck of Michigan. And by many lifelong, cherished friends.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Linden Buck.
There will be a celebration of Charlotte’s life at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Elgin (847-741-8434) on Monday, June 29th at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon in the hall of the church.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Food for Greater Elgin, 1553 Commerce Drive, Elgin, IL 60123, 847-931-9330. Or, to the Community Crisis Center at P.O. Box 1390, Elgin, IL 60121. Telephone 847-742-4088.
