Charlotte Tennis vonBerg, 84, died Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Arlington Heights, Ill. She was at home with her husband, John, at the time of her passing.

Charlotte grew up on Alchrist Farm in Hayward, the daughter and third oldest child of Al and Christine Tennis.

She attended nearby Albert Lea High School in Albert Lea, and was later married to her high school sweetheart, John vonBerg. The pair always enjoyed going back to their high school reunions in Albert Lea. John and Char were married for more than 63 years; he was at her side as she passed.

Charlotte cherished the company of family and friends and enjoyed education, traveling, games, walking, hiking and golf. She loved her job as manager of Rolling Meadows High School cafeteria where she excelled and was well respected by faculty and students alike. Charlotte’s Café at Houston Christian High School in Houston was named in her honor prior to her passing.

Charlotte enjoyed traveling with her husband, brothers, sister and friends. Her many adventures included England, Egypt, Mexico, Norway, Germany, Italy and Greece. Within the U.S., she and John also frequented educational Elder Hostels at various college campuses nationwide.

To further pursue her interest in education, Charlotte returned to school at 50 to get a college certificate. She was also a very active person and was fortunate to be able to swim and take brisk walks late into her life. She enjoyed sharing her interest in swimming with her grandkids.

Charlotte had a real passion for music; she was always singing in a choir, taking lessons or helping her kids and grandkids grow into their musical abilities. She loved playing the piano and guitar and was able to connect through music late into the progression of dementia.

A celebration of Charlotte’s life will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 20 at The Lakeview Club, Luther Village, 1250 Village Drive, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004, to share memories with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, John P. vonBerg III; children John (Valerie) vonBerg, Susan (Brian) Faracy, Thomas vonBerg and Jean (Wiley) Sykes; grandchildren John, Douglas, Victoria, Kathleen, Eli, Molly, Elizabeth and Anna; and brothers Carlyle (Beverly) Tennis and Steve (Bonnie) Tennis.

She was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, June (Dale) Wells; brother and sister-in-law, Philip (Edie) Tennis; and sister-in-law, Margaret Tennis.

If you are so inclined, please donate to Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, 312-942-5000, in memory of Charlotte.