November 23, 1930 – November 28, 2019
Charlotte was born in her grandfather’s farmhouse in Warren County, Iowa, on Nov. 23, 1930. After graduating from the Hospital Corp School, Charlotte joined the United States Navy in 1953, and served honorably for two years as a hospital nurse before receiving a medical discharge in 1955, when she was diagnosed with the onset of retinitis pigmentosa.
She married her husband and best friend, Joseph Theodore “Ted” Noddin, Oct. 15, 1955, and was a devoted and committed wife and partner for 63 years. They spent many years in California before retiring to Coos Bay (Charleston), Oregon in 1989. Together they raised three children.
Charlotte was a remarkable woman, mother, aunt, grandmother and dedicated volunteer despite completely losing her eyesight in 1971. She served in various officer positions with the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) as well as being active with the California and Oregon affiliates of the American Council of the Blind. She traveled annually with her husband (and a series of guide dogs) to attend national conferences, working to advance the development and delivery of services, while always advocating for the rights and dignity of the visually challenged.
Charlotte was interred alongside her husband, Ted, at the Willamette National Cemetery - Portland, Oregon.