Charlotte J. Hammerle, 95, of Suffolk, VA, passed away at the health care facility of Lake Prince Woods on July 1st.  Born in Austria, she was raised by her aunt in Hall and her grandmother in Feistritz bei Knittelfeld in Steiermark.  Following the end of World War II, she left Austria and traveled to England to work and learn English while attending a culinary school.  Charlotte started saving her pennies by waiting tables at resorts located throughout Europe, including Switzerland and Sweden, until eventually emigrating to the United States.  In the early 1960's she met and married Walter, her husband for more than 59 years until his passing in 2023.  In addition to rearing her two sons, Charlotte managed a motel in Illinois and rental properties in Virginia Beach.

Charlotte and Walter lived in Smithfield before becoming residents of the senior living community at Lake Prince Woods in Suffolk.  Raised on a family farm, Charlotte developed a lasting love of gardening and showcasing her culinary skills.  She also enjoyed many crafts, including ceramics and crocheting, and she was handy in mending and re-purposing clothing.   A devoted solitaire player, Charlotte's personality was marked by quiet strength, independence, and courage. Family members fondly recall Charlotte's tradition of baking "Omi cookies" during the holidays, filling her home with warmth and delicious aromas that brought everyone together.  She cherished visits to her grandchildren in Texas, tending her flowers and Japanese Maples in the garden of her cottage, and providing treats to all the winged creatures of LPW.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Martha Polding and Fritz Awallis, her adoptive mother, Sophie Holzhammer, her husband Walter Hammerle, and her son, Christian Walter Hammerle.

Charlotte is survived by her son, Kurt Hammerle and his wife, Jennifer (Weiss); and by her grandchildren, Amelia, Sophia, and Nickolaus, who are the children of Kurt and Jennifer. She is also survived by numerous cousins and extended family members residing in Europe.

A Catholic service in her memory will be held in the Portsmouth Room of Lake Prince Woods, 100 Anna Goode Way, Suffolk, VA 23434 at 1:00 pm, Saturday, July 26, 2025.  Burial will be private at Nansemond-Suffolk Cemetery.  The family wishes to thank all the nurses, therapists, and staff at Lake Prince Woods who helped to care for Charlotte and communicate with family. Special thanks to Charlotte's good friend, Marie Marr, who was her special angel at LPW.  Fond memories, words of comfort, and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.