Charlotte Meredith Bernhardt

Charlotte Meredith Bernhardt passed away on April 16, 2026, in Ellicott City, Maryland, at the age of 80. Born on January 27, 1946, in Baltimore, Maryland, she lived a life marked by faith, devotion, and steadfast love for her family, friends, and community.

At the center of Charlotte’s life was her family. She is survived by her loving husband of sixty years, Emil Bernhardt; her daughters, Theresa Ballinger, Christine Day, and Michelle Young; her sons -in-law, Robert Ballinger II, Douglas Day and Scott Young; and her grandchildren, Robert Ballinger III, William Ballinger, Derrick Day, Meredith Day, Ryan Young, Alexa Young, and Ashleigh Young. Grammy took great pride in her family and found joy in each generation. Her home was filled with love, laughter, and the kind of warmth that comes from a life lived with tenderness and care. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Roxanne Bernhardt as well as brother-in-law Stephen Bernhardt and many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. 

Charlotte was a Catholic woman whose faith guided her throughout her life. She was a student in the inaugural class to graduate after attending the first consecutive eight years at the St William of York Catholic School in Baltimore. Charlotte graduated from Seton High School in 1963, a place that remained meaningful to her throughout her life. Her early years in Baltimore helped shape the warm, determined, and caring person she became. Those who knew her best will remember her as loving, creative, and spirited, with a gracious presence that brought comfort and joy to others. Charlotte and Emil were married in April of 1966 at St William of York Church and were a dedicated example of the Catholic vocation of marriage.   Charlotte and Emil moved their family to Ellicott City and joined St Louis Parish where Charlotte actively participated in the Choir, PTA, and the Catholic Youth Ministry.  She later helped to clean the church and was a member of the Bereavement Committee where she helped provide fellowship and comfort for those who were grieving.  She devoted much of her professional life to administrative roles and worked as a secretary at Seton High School, Westinghouse, and the Howard County Public School System. After retiring, Charlotte helped to provide childcare for her beloved seven grandchildren and often she and her husband spent long weekends with the grandchildren while their parents had some time away.   Charlotte could often be found on the sidelines of her grandchildren’s sporting events cheering loudly or in the audience watching performances and productions.  She was ever the enthusiastic fan!

Charlotte had a strong commitment to service. She was a tireless supporter of the Autism Society of Maryland and its predecessor, the Howard County Autism Society. She gave her time, energy, and heart to helping others, and she was recognized for that devotion when she and her husband were awarded Howard County Autism Society Advocate of the Year in 2012. She was also involved in efforts supporting the Foundation Fighting Blindness in Baltimore, Maryland, where she helped organize fundraisers and contribute to a cause that mattered deeply to her. Her compassion and willingness to help made a meaningful difference in the lives of many.

Charlotte was also a devoted member of the Kappa Kappa Chapter of Sigma Phi Gamma Service Sorority, where she served as a dedicated sister for many years. Her tireless service was honored when she was bestowed her 50 years of service pin at a ceremony in Wichita, Kansas in 2019. Her long-standing commitment to her sorority reflected her loyalty, friendship, and belief in the importance of service. She valued the bonds she formed there and treasured the fellowship and purpose that came with years of shared dedication.

Charlotte especially loved cooking for her family, and she found happiness in preparing meals that brought everyone together. She shared this love of cooking by including her children and grandkids in the kitchen too. She also enjoyed creating counted cross stitch masterpieces for her family and friends, sharing her creativity through thoughtful handmade gifts. Her talents reflected her generous spirit and her desire to make others feel remembered and loved. She had a gift for turning simple moments into cherished memories, and this legacy will live on in the hearts of her family.

One of Charlotte’s favorite places was 64th Street in Ocean City, Maryland, which she considered a second home. The time she spent there held special meaning for her and became part of the treasured rhythm of her life. She spent many a summer hosting family and friends at their condo, reading a book in the warm sunshine,  splashing in the ocean, strolling the boardwalk, watching the kids on Trimper’s rides and playing mini golf.  Often, the night ended with ice cream at Dumser’s Dairyland or a soft-serve custard at Kohr Brothers.   Whether surrounded by family, enjoying the shore, or creating something by hand, Charlotte embraced life with warmth and heart.

In addition to her home away from home at OCMD, Charlotte and Emil loved to travel and enjoyed many adventures in retirement. They loved cruising including some favorite ones to Alaska, the Caribbean and Panama Canal.  Charlotte and Emil were also fans of Disney and shared many happy trips to see Mickey, Minnie and the Gang across the years.   The “Grans” also gifted their family Disney Cruises on two occasions to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.   Such great adventures with lovely memories!

Charlotte Meredith Bernhardt will be remembered for her loving nature, her creativity, and her spirited presence. She lived with purpose, gave generously of herself, and touched many lives through her faith, her service, and her devotion to those she loved. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her and loved her, 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the Autism Society of Maryland or Foundation Fighting Blindness.