Charlotte Elaine Hanna

August 10, 1957 – June 7, 2025

Charlotte Elaine Hanna was born on August 10, 1957, at California Hospital in Los Angeles to parents Margaret and Ben Sady. The third of four children, she was raised in Costa Mesa in a warm, close-knit home with her siblings Michael, Debbie, and Sandee. Their house overflowed with creativity, laughter, and tradition—from Christmas plays to heartfelt family dinners.

Charlotte’s early years were full of energy and compassion. She was naturally outgoing, deeply kind, and well-loved by classmates and teachers alike. A cheerleader in both spirit and on the sidelines, she also sang in choir, served on ASB, and brought her bright, magnetic spirit to every part of school life. Her friendships ran deep and lasted decades.

Charlotte met the love of her life, George, when they were just kids. The Sady and Hanna families would go on vacations and spend holidays together. Charlotte and George started dating when they were seventeen. Their first date—a Beach Boys concert—set the tone for a lifetime of dancing in the kitchen, singing on road trips, and simply delighting in each other’s company. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

After graduating from high school in 1975, Charlotte attended Orange Coast College before transferring to Cal Poly. She and George continued their journey side by side, and she graduated in 1979 with a degree in nutrition—a field that reflected her natural instinct to care for others. She worked as a nutritionist for Head Start, supporting the health of young children and families, and later as a diet coach for Nutrisystem and in food quality control. She and George also worked side-by-side at Tony’s Sea Landing, further deepening the partnership that would define their life together.

Charlotte and George were married on October 26, 1980. They started their married life in a modest three-level condo in Santa Ana, filled with little money but a lot of love. Charlotte described those early years as spontaneous and full of joy. In 1984, they welcomed their first child, Benjamin. Two years later, their daughter Mary-Margaret was born, and the family moved to Orange Park Acres. Their small home became a lively hub for neighborhood kids and visiting friends—filled with snacks, laughter, and warmth.

Charlotte poured herself into motherhood. She walked her kids to school, hosted playdates, helped with homework, and never missed a game or school event. As her children pursued soccer, baseball, football, and more, she was always there—cheering from the sidelines and volunteering with heart. Even in the busiest seasons, she grounded the family in faith and church, all while teaching Sunday school, arranging church flowers, and serving wherever needed.

In 1992, their youngest son George was born, completing the family. Soon after, they moved into what would become their forever home—lovingly known as the Hanna House. There, Charlotte’s gift for hospitality blossomed. Whether it was a casual dinner, a school project, or a last-minute sleepover, her door was open and her heart even more so. She made everyone feel seen, safe, and welcome.

As her children grew older, Charlotte returned to the workforce as a receptionist for Dr. Gallagher—a job she loved for the connections it brought her. She joined a rosary group with close friends, deepened her spiritual life, and continued to open her home to anyone in need of comfort or community. She carried the responsibilities of motherhood and womanhood with grace, humility, and gratitude.

As her children became adults, she gracefully shifted roles—offering wisdom, encouragement, and space for them to grow. She stood beside them through life’s highs and lows—celebrating milestones, offering prayerful support, and always showing up. When grandchildren arrived, she embraced her role as Sito wholeheartedly—becoming a magical, loving presence in their lives.

Charlotte was a devoted wife, a joyful mother, and a deeply affectionate grandmother. She poured intention into every birthday, school pick-up, holiday tradition, and heart-to-heart. Whether cheering at a grandson’s game or planning a cozy sleepover, she delighted in creating memories that would last a lifetime. Parties and holidays at the Hanna’s were legendary—filled with food, music, and a house full of love. And everyone, truly everyone, was welcome.

In every warm meal, every thoughtful gesture, every quiet prayer—Charlotte gave of herself. Her legacy is not only in the life she lived, but in the lives she shaped and the love she gave so freely.

May her memory be eternal!