Charlotte French, 98

Charlotte Bleecker French (Peachey) passed away March 6, 2024, in Chula Vista, California. She was born on May 4, 1925, in Fort Benning, Georgia. After the death of her father Harry at age 2, her name was changed to Harriet Waldron French. In later years she reverted to her birth name of Charlotte Bleecker French. Many of her early friends called her “Bamby”.

Charlotte embraced the value of lifelong learning and growth. After raising her children, she attended San Diego State College where she graduated 1st in her undergraduate class. A career in education included a Master’s degree and a Doctoral degree in Education from the University of Southern California. After enriching scores of elementary students, she taught student teaching at SDSU with an emphasis on reading disabilities. After her career, she continued her education through leading local study groups in Bigfork, Montana.

The term wallflower would never describe Charlotte. She was passionate about her family, loves and life. She took great pride in her appearance and would not be seen for the day until she had become a “thing of beauty.” She relished parties, mystery campouts, musical theater, and birthdays. Charlotte’s passions included crusades that were often focused on improving her community. These included the installation of a stoplight on a notorious intersection, retention of a local waste management facility, improvement and expanded use of the Swan River Hall, support for the Swan River Road which included the placement of the “Charlotte’s Rest” restroom for walkers on the trail.

Charlotte was married to Dr. James Bruce Peachey in 1947. He predeceased her as did her beloved son-in-law Dr. Kenneth Kimbrough. She is survived by her daughter Glyndon and sons Stephen (Colleen), Douglas (Nona) and Thomas (Susan), six grandchildren, twelve great- grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter.

Charlotte’s remarkable life touched the hearts of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. An internment and celebration of life will be held in Bigfork, Montana at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Swan River Community Hall, 395 Jewel Basin Rd., Bigfork, MT 59911