Dear Cha, we recalled when you were born today - it was Cup Match Sunday just before 4 pm in the afternoon.  You popped out with hardly any fuss.  The night before, we had had dinner with the doctor who delivered you and he told mom  "I could tell you were in labour last evening!". 

You sure were a happy baby and you gave us huge happiness.  As you grew older, birthdays began to be an event of national significance - everyone knew when it was Cha's birthday...three months in advance!

Anyway, it's a shame you weren't here this weekend.  Cup Match was as much fun as it ever was.  Talley's parents had a superb party to introduce her fiancé, Paul, last night.  Everyone missed you.  Today was a beautiful day (probably laid on by you) and we celebrated your birthday, all the time thinking of you.  It would be great if you came home.

Love, Mom and Dad.

Charlotte,

I am sad I never got to know you better, but I feel like I have known you my whole life from all of the stories my wife tells me about the times you two shared together.  Ashley Knopf is my wife and I could say that you are probably her best friend.  Our eldest child, our daughter Charlie, is named after you.  Not only do you both share the same name, but you nearly shared the same birthday, just one day apart.  Well I just wanted to share this with you because you were my wife's best friend and she misses you a lot.

Sincerely,
Rusty Cappelen 

I first met Charlotte two days before my father and Ali's wedding.  On the steps of her aunt and uncle's home, Charlotte introduced herself by hugging me as tightly as she could!  She took my hand and brought me into the house, introucing me to the entire Watlington family and friends in what I can only remember as a whirlwind of "hello's" and "nice to meet you's".  The entire time she smiled back at me, giving me information about the next people to meet, and making me feel as comfortable as possible.  

This was Charlotte by definition!

Charlotte was my Aunt and I will forever remember her smile, her laughter, her warm and loving embrace.  I will remember her enthusiasm for life and all the many people she loved.  Char was vivacious, warm, affectionate and happy

Char, wherever you are, I hope you are well; happy and laughing.  You are missed and deeply loved by so many.  You will be in my heart forever.

Growing up in England I lucky to have Ali and Char as my cousins, naturally I looked up to them and thought that they were amazing. They were older than me, lived on an exotic island, swam, sailed, and rode horses and in my mind led the most amazing lives.
When I met her as children she always seemed so rowdy, energetic and exciting.

Occasionally Uncle James would bring big bin liners of the girls hand me down clothes from Bermuda. It was more exciting than Christmas for me, opening the bag and getting to play dress up with their clothes pretending I was them.

As I got older my admiration for my cousin Char didn't fade. Every time I saw her she would tell me amazing stories. She had so many interests and friends. She was so open and friendly to everyone who crossed our path and seemed to lack any cynicism or meanness. I was envious of her ability to talk to any person any where and in turn the way people responded to her.

The last time I saw her was at Ali's wedding, she looked after us whilst we were there, taking us to the beach and showing us around the SPCA where she was working at the time, telling us crazy stories about all the animals that had passed through the doors. At the wedding she was stunning, once again I was envious but this time it was her amazing legs!

She was a massive animal lover. In fact when I was pregnant with my son she suggested calling him either Sebastian or Chester after her beloved dogs!

Charlotte, it was a privilege to know you and an honour to call you family. You won't be forgotten. I think I was one of many who admired you and thought you were truly wonderful.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Charlotte for as long as I can remember.

We first met on Christmas Eve in the TV room at one of Joyce and Hughie’s famous parties, both of us trying to avoid the adults at all cost. I was 13 and she was 22, which explains why I can’t find a metaphor that justifies how mesmerized I was. At 13, to have an older girl so genuinely pretty actually enjoy your company is something special that every guy can relate to and always cherish. It is an honor to say that she was that person to me and that I will literally remember her smile forever.

My sincerest condolences go out to everyone who knew Charlotte especially her loving family.

I met Char when I was 14 years old. It was after tennis at Coral Beach one Saturday, and we had finished our lesson and headed to the Beach Terrace for lunch.

Charlotte Watlington was sitting with friends -- we were introduced, she smiled and said "Hi!", and I was smitten. Immediately. 

I often think about how many awkward hellos I gave you, how many times I tried to sit next to you at CBC, and how many times you reciprocated with nothing but sweetness and a smile.

What a caring, beautiful, warm, funny and smart girl you were Char. You'll be missed by so many. My sincerest condolences to your family.

I think I'll always get butterflies in my stomach when someone mentions the name Charlotte Watlington.

Miss you.

Because of her early and lasting friendship with my older sister, Allison, I've known Charlotte all my life. Charlotte was a presence at every stage, from playing at our house after school to babysitting me and my younger sister in our youth, from working at the Sandgang and the Frozen Hut at Coral Beach to meeting up in London for sushi and a chat. Charlotte was another older sister to me.

Knowing her struggles over the years, I can't help but feel that she's at peace now. But that doesn't change how sad I am at her passing. I will miss her smile, her jokes, her little dramas. But most of all, I'll miss the friendship and love she gave to me and my family unreservedly and unconditionally. Char, you were, and still are, very much loved.

To James, Pauline and Ali, and the rest of Charlotte's family: you have my deepest condolences. Words cannot express my regret for your loss. Please know that you are all in my thoughts.

A horse-crazy ten year old girl couldn’t have wished for a better neighbour than Charlotte Watlington. She had a pony! Most girls who had ponies were aloof and superior and would never allow anyone else to mount them. Not Charlotte.

His name was « Ice-Man » - a bony bay with a trott that jolted you about like a pneumatic drill, never destined to win any competitions at the Ag Show. I can’t recall how or why she came up with that name but I suppose it’s not so unusual coming from girl who had a cat named « Cat ».

Charlotte would come bouncing down from Barnes Corner with Ice-Man and we would take turns tearing up and down the Southampton railway trail, breaking all the rules for a good equestrian : no hat, no boots, stirrups flapping recklessly against poor Ice-Man’s ribs.

For me, that was Charlotte : quirky, fun-loving, with a huge heart.

My condolences to the many who loved her.