Charlotte M. Gavin

Charlotte Marie Gavin passed away at 84 on April 5th, 2025.

The youngest of 7 siblings, Charlotte was the first woman in her family to attend college and valued the importance of education. She met the love of her life, Bob, in high school and was his devoted companion and best friend for nearly 70 years. Charlotte was a family woman first and took seriously her role as wife and mother. She ardently supported her family’s endeavors whether it be sabbaticals, swim meets, genealogy, cross-country road trips, or camping in the Boundary Waters. She enjoyed long walks, swimming, watching non-violent murder mysteries, and tending to her flower-filled garden. An avid traveler, she delighted in trips to see her children and grandchildren, never missing a graduation or special event. She traveled abroad extensively and held Ireland and Spain as dearest to her heart. Her home was filled with special mementos from her travels along with her collection of international dolls. She loved entertaining, stopping for a coffee and a treat, and nibbling on olives and pickles. Charlotte was a fan of De La Salle High School basketball games, visiting the Landscape Arboretum, the state fair, and old houses. Inspired by her visits to Ireland, she amassed over 7000 relatives in her genealogy database. She cared about doing things properly and preparing things homemade if possible. Charlotte had an artistic sensibility, a patient demeanor, and a natural curiosity that made it a pleasure to be in her presence. She loved nothing more than a good laugh.

Survived by her loving husband Robert “Bob” Gavin Jr; children, Anne Gavin & Ulrich, Patricia Smeaton & Bill, Robert Gavin III & Thailene, Charles Gavin & Melissa, Sean Gavin & Jennifer Anne; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents, Alice & Bernard Dugan; sisters Alice Reagan, Marilyn Emond & Eileen Ousterbauer; brothers, Bernard, John, and Fred Dugan.

Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM, Friday April 11 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, 1 Lourdes Place, Minneapolis.

Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Visitation one hour prior to the Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Charlotte Gavin Scholarship Fund at De La Salle High School, Minneapolis; the Helen and Robert Gavin Scholarship Fund at St. John’s University, Collegeville; or Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Minneapolis.