1935 - 2009

Char Walton, 73, of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., passed away at her home on Valentine's Day, 2009.

Born Charlene Mary Padula in Kenosha Wis., to proud parents Margaret "Elaine" (Rasmussen) and Charles Joseph "CJ" Padula, she was the oldest of three children. As a young girl, she cherished riding her horse to a favorite tree with a favorite book as well as teaching her little brothers to play baseball and basketball.

She is survived by her brothers; Thomas of Duluth, Ga., and Michael in Tempe, Ariz.

She attended Mount Mary College in Milwaukee where she was voted the Outstanding Athlete of her university and earned undergraduate degrees in Biology and Art, as well as a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy. While working at Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division, Char was introduced to Russell C. Walton and they fell deeply in love. In 1958, they were married in Kenosha, and two years later, having moved to Dayton, Ohio, Char gave birth to the first of their two sons, Steven.In 1965, Christopher was born in Milwaukee.

The young family moved to the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Calif., in 1971 to pursue Russ's career in the textbook publishing industry.Over the years, the family enjoyed their days together at the Jack Kramer Tennis Club as well as on their sailboat and during regular trips to Bear Valley Springs and Palm Desert.

Waiting until her sons had grown and started their own families, Char returned to her career, creating and running Occupational Therapy departments at multiple psychiatric hospitals in Southern California.

Charlene was an unconditionally loving mother, pitching coach, Cub Scout leader, talented dancer and tennis player, and a better artist and singer than she would admit. A grandmother of five, Char suffered the passing of Russ in 1987.Several years later, Char found comfort in the arms of Max Grupenhagen, and they were married in 1997. Together and with friends, they traveled to Europe, were active in the local theater and social organizations, and they lived happily and comfortably until Char was taken ill in 2006.

After three courageous years of battling brain, lung, and most recently, spinal cancer, Charlene succumbed to the disease and finally now rests in peace. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends who will remember her for her elegance, thoughtfulness, competitive spirit, and her quick wit.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. at St. John Fisher Church, 5448 Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. At the conclusion of the service, the family invites attendance to a reception, also at the church.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Char's name to Make A Wish Foundation

benefiting children with life-threatening illnesses.