Obituary: Charlotte Hooper (6/11/24) | Southeast Missourian Newspaper, Cape Girardeau, MO

Charlotte Kathryn Schlosser Hooper was called to her eternal heavenly home on Monday, June 10, 2024, where she was welcomed by her grandson, Dominic Michael Hooper, and her dad and mom, Theon John and Ella Irene LeDure Schlosser. Charlotte was surrounded by those close to her as she slept peacefully and took her last earthly breath.

Charlotte was born on July 1, 1951, the ninth of 14 children, all raised on the family farm in Illmo.

We will always remember her for her love of children and her generous heart, especially during her many years as school secretary at St. Patrick’s Catholic School. Joseph, and later at the Catholic School/Parish of St. Augustine until his retirement. There, Charlotte wiped away many tears, gave the most comforting hugs, praised achievements and, most importantly, led children to God and reminded them that God never leaves their side. Children were always given healing “mint” for all their many ailments.

Charlotte showed care for everyone she came into contact with, showing empathy and helping in any way she could. Her loyalty to her Lord and Savior was undeniable, always putting others before herself and offering her authentic, unconditional love.

She belonged to the Catholic Church of St. Augustine and the Sodality of the Ladies of St. Anna. Charlotte founded Beginning Experience, the first non-denominational support group for divorced and widowed people in the area. She also helped with the first lunch auction at St. Augustine, which took place 31 years ago.

She started the first lunch fundraiser at St. Augustine Cicken “N Dumplin”. Charlotte has played a key role in many other fundraisers and has supported youth by leading youth groups and coaching softball and soccer. As a single mother, Charlotte made sure her daughters participated in whatever activities they wanted, often leading them. Everything was a family affair.

Charlotte was blessed with the love and devotion of her best friend, Joan Drury, who took wonderful care of Charlotte during her years of health trials. Charlotte and Joan shared 45 years of many wonderful adventures and shared a deep friendship that included both good and bad times. They never left each other. In the early 1980s, Charlotte and Joan transformed the West Park Mall Cookies and Cream Store on the West Park Mall, moving from processed cookies to homemade cookies inspired by their mothers’ recipes.

Their love of baking and cooking resulted in the preparation of many meals for family and friends, as well as those who had suffered a loss in the family. Charlotte continued her mother’s tradition by inviting the family over every Sunday for a large, home-cooked dinner, making sure no one left hungry. She was happiest when all her daughters and their families were under her roof. She greatly enjoyed family vacations, sitting at the dining room table, playing cards, doing crafts, or having one of her grandchildren come to visit her. Charlotte and Joan opened their home to their children’s graduations and birthday parties and always hosted their sons-in-law’s families.

Charlotte was also blessed with four beautiful daughters who brought more love and happiness through her precious 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They are: her oldest daughter Christine (Clint) Estes and children Caleb (Sarah) and children Ella and Emery, Zachary, Abagail (Ty Householder) and Sam; Cheryl Tucker and children, Catrina Stone and children, Alyssa, Anna, Amelia and Ryan Brock (Addie Evans); Rebecca (Allen) Collier and children: Alivia, Ty (Delaney Dohogne), Bennett and Charlotte; and her youngest daughter, Sara (Chris) Snider, and children, Our Angel Dominic Hooper, Amanda (Trey) Snider and Drake (Julia) Snider.

Survivors include sisters-in-law Pat Schlosser and Margie Schlosser; sisters: Helen Kluesner, Doris (Danny) Moore, Diana (Ira) Judd, Mary Schlosser, Juanita (Jack) Dannenmueller, Dale (Gale LeDure) Schlosser and Rick (Karen) Schlosser; her godchildren DeWayne Kluesner, Dawn Moore, Pamela Judd and Debra Halter; and many nieces and nephews.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents; grandson Dominic; brother Theon Schlosser Jr. and his infant twins, John and Elizabeth; brothers, Bill, Maurice, Frank and baby Joseph; sister Ella; brother-in-law Buster Kluesner, niece Danette Ketcher; and nephew, Danny Moore, Jr.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 12, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Catholic Church of St. Augustine in Kelso.

The funeral will take place on Thursday, June 13, at 10:00 a.m. in the church, led by Fr. Tomasz Wilk. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Charlotte wishes donations to be made to the Dominic Hooper Scholarship Fund or the Samuel C. Estes Special Needs Trust through the Bank of Missouri, 315 Crites Ave., Scott City, MO 63780 or St. Augustine Catholic School, PO Box 97 Kelso, MO 63758.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.