Charlotte Jean Wedin aged 74, died on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, hastened by metastatic breast cancer. Charlotte passed from this world surrounded by her loved ones.
Born March 26, 1948, in Seattle to Mary and Theodor, Char was an energetic and adventurous child. Char’s parents had a beach house on Vashon Island where she spent most of her summers. She babysat for a neighboring family on Vashon and was eventually asked to live with them. Having graduated from Vashon High School, Char earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Washington majoring in Physical Education. She was a member of the Synchronized Swimming Team. Later, with her marriage to Jim Laughlin, Char and Jim traveled for three years with stops in Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, India, France and Sweden. Returning home the couple bore two children, daughter Elsa and son Eric. The family moved to Port Townsend in 1977.
Char operated a popular preschool from her home for 12 years, giving a generation of children the most enriching experience possible. She continued her service to the community as a case manager at Jefferson Mental Health, before ending her career as Social Services Director at Kah Tai Life Care Center. She often joked that she had worked helping others from “cradle to the grave."
Charlotte’s joy of physical activity and community continued throughout her life. She was an avid runner and long-time Rhody Run Board member. She was also a member of an Adult Women’s Soccer Club. She owned a sculling boat before there was a boat house in Port Townsend and was a founding member of the Tuf As Nails Masters Women’s Rowing Crew. She never went on a trip without a swimsuit and would go swimming whenever possible. Char was also an active member of Daughters of Norway, honoring her Swedish heritage.
Charlotte is survived by her partner of 23 years, Wayne Smith; sisters, Judy Colyn and Janine Kirby; brother, James Wedin; children, Elsa Hay and Eric Laughlin; and two grandchildren, Felix and Jacqueline.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you go for a walk with the ones you love and tell them how much you care.
A celebration of life will be held at the Maritime Center from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 26.
