Charlotte "Chuckie" Holstein
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Charlotte “Chuckie” Holstein, 100, passed away in the comfort of her home early Tuesday morning. Born on September 1, 1925 to Morris and Esther Garelick in Rochester, she had been a resident of Syracuse since June of 1946 when she and her late husband Alex were married.
She was a graduate of SUNY Brockport and received the Hall of Heritage Award from the Brockport Alumni Association in 2024. Chuckie taught at Salem Hyde and tutored students after she left formal teaching. In 1998 she received an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, from LeMoyne College; and then in 2015 was awarded a Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa honorary degree from Syracuse University.
Chuckie was a “Citizen Trustee”. It was a title that she not only earned but lived her life by through activism, volunteerism and devotion to making her community a better place for all citizens locally and globally. She was honored locally, by New York State, and nationally as well.
She served as an honorary VP of the The American Jewish Committee where she chaired the national committee on the role of women; also served on the board of the Jacob Blaustein Institute for Human Rights, and chaired the Jewish Communal Affairs Commission.
Her awards and accolades are vast and widespread. She was particularly proud to have been a co-founder of “Leadership Greater Syracuse”, and F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse. She spoke with pride of her 100’s of graduates of the programs.
Chuckie was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Alex in 2020, daughter-in-law
Barbara in 2003, and son Philip in 2016.
Her family includes her children Carol (Ron) Killian, David (Jeanne), Alyse, and Liz (Lou); grandchildren Shoshana (Howie), Ben (Amy), Mark (Ana Laura), Erin (Mike), Dan (Sarah), Greg (Stephanie), Chelsea (Chris), Erin (Eric), Sam (Esther), Amara (Bjorn), and Dan; great-grandchildren Ben, Josh, Arthur, Hannah, Alex, Winnie, Jack, Birdie, Isla, Thatcher, and Parker.
Funeral services will be at 11AM on Monday the 8th at Temple Concord at Kimber Road. Friends may visit with the family at the Temple, 450 Kimber Road from 9:30 to 11AM immediately prior to the service on Monday. Burial will be in the Temple Concord section 30 of Woodlawn Cemetery. The service will be live streamed at https://venue.streamspot.com/59695225
Contributions to perpetuate her memory may be made to Temple Concord, F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse, Leadership Greater Syracuse, Loretto, Meals on Wheels, The Holstein Citizen Engagement Fund at The CNY Community Foundation, The Jewish Community Foundation of CNY, or The Syracuse University Library Special Collections which is the home of the Charlotte Holstein Papers.
Shiva will be observed at Chuckie and Alex’s home on Monday the 8th from 7-9PM and Tuesday the 9th from 7-9PM www.sisskindfuneralservice.com
Message of Sympathy
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I am so sorry to learn of Chuckie's passing. She was a remarkable woman who helped so many during her lifetime. I will always cherish the time Russ and I spent with Chuckie and Alex and value the many conversations and wisdom shared. My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. Linda Henley (Andrews)
Written by Linda Henley
2025-12-03 1:31:52 PM
Dear Holstein Family, I am so very sorry to learn of Chuckie's passing. My sincerest condolences to all of you. Judy Granatstein
Written by Judy Granatstein
2025-12-03 3:17:59 AM
Our partnership leading the Syracuse Womens Commision led to a lasting friendship. Chuckie taught me how to be a citizen activist across barriers to ethnicity, economic class and geography. I learned to bury my political hatchet and be a better person. Condolences to the family.
Written by Deborah Holler
2025-12-03 5:34:31 PM
Dear Holstein Family, Please accept the most heartfelt sympathies of Le Moyne College. We hope the love and memories that you will forever hold in your heart bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Written by Le Moyne College Office of Alumni
2025-12-03 7:51:55 PM
The influence of Charlotte “Chuckie” Holstein’s life and work will resonate for generations. I was honored to have collaborated with her, to learn under her mentorship, and to call her a friend. Her vision, leadership, and compassion enriched countless lives. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of service and inspiration will endure.
Written by Bea Gonzalez
2025-12-04 12:04:56 AM
Post a Message of Sympathy
I am so sorry to learn of Chuckie's passing. She was a remarkable woman who helped so many during her lifetime. I will always cherish the time Russ and I spent with Chuckie and Alex and value the many conversations and wisdom shared. My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. Linda Henley (Andrews)
Written by Linda Henley
2025-12-03 1:31:52 PM
Dear Holstein Family, I am so very sorry to learn of Chuckie's passing. My sincerest condolences to all of you. Judy Granatstein
Written by Judy Granatstein
2025-12-03 3:17:59 AM
Our partnership leading the Syracuse Womens Commision led to a lasting friendship. Chuckie taught me how to be a citizen activist across barriers to ethnicity, economic class and geography. I learned to bury my political hatchet and be a better person. Condolences to the family.
Written by Deborah Holler
2025-12-03 5:34:31 PM
Dear Holstein Family, Please accept the most heartfelt sympathies of Le Moyne College. We hope the love and memories that you will forever hold in your heart bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Written by Le Moyne College Office of Alumni
2025-12-03 7:51:55 PM
The influence of Charlotte “Chuckie” Holstein’s life and work will resonate for generations. I was honored to have collaborated with her, to learn under her mentorship, and to call her a friend. Her vision, leadership, and compassion enriched countless lives. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of service and inspiration will endure.
Written by Bea Gonzalez
2025-12-04 12:04:56 AM