Charlotte J. (Johnson) Noerdlinger

Charlotte Noerdlinger passed away peacefully at Durgin Pines nursing home in Kittery, Maine on May 20. She was beloved by all who met her, and known for her kindness and compassion. She was a wonderful writer and storyteller, and she often surprised and delighted her audience with irreverent and funny remarks.

Charlotte was born in East Milton, MA, and when she was seven she moved with her mother, Ethel Mayo Johnson, and her brother, Mayo Johnson to Washington, D. C. after Pearl Harbor was attacked, and her father, Kenneth D. Johnson, re-enrolled in the U. S. Army. She was a sensitive person, and vividly remembered the disruption and fear.

After the war, her family relocated to New York City where she attended The Chapin School. She studied English at Wellesley College, and after graduating in 1955 she worked as a junior editor at Henry Holt publishing company. She met the love of her life, Victor S. Noerdlinger at a party in Manhattan. They were married on Cape Cod in 1958, and were together for 61 years until Victor’s death in 2019.

Charlotte was a devoted mother to Elizabeth, John, Victoria and Mayo. She enjoyed being a homemaker, and also savored the best of New York City’s culture and dining. She was proud of her work as a public school volunteer, and she wrote a history of The Chapin School, And Cheer for the Green and Gold: An Anecdotal History of The Chapin School.

In 1998, Charlotte and Victor moved to East Orleans, MA where Charlotte’s roots ran deep on her mother’s side. She volunteered in the Brewster elementary schools, helping children with their reading. Charlotte always had a book in hand, and enjoyed being a member of two book groups. She loved the beach, sailing on Pleasant Bay and working in her garden. Her grandchildren: Sam, Wes, Cassandra, Dallas, James, Laura, Nicholas and Charlotte adored “Nana” and loved visiting their grandparents on Cape Cod.

Charlotte’s family is forever grateful to her friends and helpers on Cape Cod, and the staff at Durgin Pines, and Compassus Hospice for all the tender, loving care they gave Charlotte at the end of her life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Snow Library in Orleans, MA, the Orleans or Brewster elementary schools, or Friends of Pleasant Bay.

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