Charlotte Padon
February 27, 1928 - September 10, 2010
Obituary
Charlotte White Padon, 82, of Billings died peacefully in her home September 10, 2010. She was born February 27, 1928 in Chattanooga, TN to Eleanor and Richard Mitchell White.The Sisters of the Sacred Heart guided Charlottes strong Catholic faith development at both Villa Duchene, Noroton, CT., and Maryville College, St. Louis, MI. On November 19, 1949 she married John Robert Padon (Jack) in Long Beach, CA. The two made their home in Billings where they raised their nine children.We will miss her beautiful mind, quick wit, contagious laugh, compassionate yet strong convictions and love of nature. Her devotion and love for God and family was paramount. She always saw good in every person and had an unyielding respect for life, peace and justice.Charlottes prayerful heart found its life-expression through developing the retreats at Billings Central Catholic High School, and the Sacred Heart Retreat Center. She was a devoted friend to the Poor Clare Sisters and a Benedictine oblate to Mt. Angel Abbey, OR. She found peace in St. Patricks Centering Prayer Group and enjoyed taking care of the homeless in Billings.Charlotte is survived by nine children, thirty three grand children, and seven great grandchildren.Viewing will be at Dahl Funeral Chapel, Monday September 13, 2010 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Vigil service will be at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at St. Patricks Co-Cathedral, and the Funeral Mass at 12 noon on Wednesday also at St. Patricks, 215 N. 31st St. Rite of Committal will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.Memorials may be made to the St. Patricks building fund. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.
Events
There are no events for Charlotte yet.
Photos
No photos of Charlotte have been shared yet.
Memories
J
J9dy
Other •
Dear Padon Family, I just found out about Charlotte's death as we are still at our summer home on Swan Lake. I was so shocked and so sad,as she was one of my most favorite people. She took me under her wing, as she did so many others, and led me to Mt. Angel where I am now an oblate, taught me how to enter into "centering prayer, and was probably the biggest influence in my spiritual growth. I know how much you all loved and appreciated her; and know that you are in my prayers as you release her into the arms of her loving Father. Love and prayers, Jody Dringman
BG
Bev and Tom Gormley
Other •
Tom and I have been gone and so we were not here for your mom's funeral. What a shock for us to see the obituary in the newspaper. What a wonderful witness your mom was for the Lord.....and what a fabulous disciple......while I was direcor of SHRC your mom was always available for counsel, to lead retreats or other programs, to host dinners for our out of town leaders, to be a participant, a donor,, and a friend......And, at church one could always count on the same......We loved your mom.....and we are sick we missed seeing all of you while you were here.....blessings on you all and your families. Love Bev and Tom
KH
Karen Schafer Heffner
Other •
Dave, so sorry about the loss of your mom. It's never easy losing a parent. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family, Karen
C
Carl
Other •
Dear Padon Family What a privilege and joy it was to see your family celebrate the life of Charlotte, and say goodbye for only now. I appreciated reading Charlotte's 1983 letter in the "Montana Catholic", especially the last sentences about being a large family --- "When all are gathered around the dining room table and when the house is filled with the laughter their stories bring, happiness abounds. There is a tremendous love that each has for the other; a bond, a feeling of belonging. There is integrity and generosity that is learned from having to share in a big family. As they grow each seems to develop a strong sense of caring. I could never thank God enough for all His Blessings" I suspect this is what Charlotte and your dad, with God's guidance, brought to your family. God continue to bless you all. I'll miss having Chaarlotte "across the street". Carl Wolf
SG
Sonia Hurlbut Gavin
Other •
Heartfelt condolences from the Hurlbut family. We have many fond memories of your mother, especially the neighborhood 4th of July picnics.
NS
Nancy Swanson
Other •
My heart goes out to the Padon family. Charlotte was one of the kindest, loveliest, caring and spiritual people I have ever known. I met her in Centering Prayer. Charlotte truly "walked her talk" and was such an inspiration to all who knew her. For awhile I helped make sandwiches for the homeless at Charlotte's home. One day she lovingly guided me to "spread the peanut butter all the way to the edges; spread it on thicker and be sure to spread the jelly to the edges." I laughed and told her she was "boss." She laughed and said, "Keep spreading!" But deep down Charlotte was telling me that because she knew this might be someone's only meal and she wanted the sandwiches to be really packed with protein and thick. That was what was directing her. I learned so much from her and hope you all truly know how much she inspired those who were blessed to call her friend. We once talked in her kitchen about Jack, her beloved husband, and her eyes filled with tears and she told me how they met and how much she missed him. She is now with him and I like to think they are holding hands, the circle is complete. May you all feel the Lord's love and compassion for you all during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your wonderful mother with all of us. She was something!