Charlotte Rae Nygren Chalker's Obituary
Charlotte Rae Nygren was born in Albany, Oregon to Carl and Persis (Hulshof) Nygren on January 18, 1935. Growing up on the Nygren Brothers dairy farm fostered Charlotte’s lifelong love of animals and her dedication to land conservation. Throughout her time at home, she was a prolific award winner, gathering many 4-H honors. Charlotte was particularly proud of her “Chicken of Tomorrow” plaque and of being named Miss Cherry Pie of Oregon in 1951.
Charlotte attended Oregon State University and found lasting sisterhood amongst the women of Kappa Kappa Gamma. In the process of making friends and earning her degree in education, she met Raymond Chalker, an engineering student from Gresham, Oregon.
Charlotte and Ray married in 1956 and, after a brief time on various Navy bases, they settled in Oak Harbor, Washington. They soon welcomed two children, Linda (1957) and Carl (1961), and in 1968 they moved to their farmhouse in Parkland, a place that would eventually become known for hosting parties and family celebrations over four decades.
In the first two decades of the marriage, Charlotte dedicated herself to supporting Ray’s expanding engineering firm and raising their children. In 1975, Charlotte decided to further pursue her own education and in 1977, she graduated with a J.D. from the University of Puget Sound Law School. She joined the Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell et al. law firm in Tacoma and became the first female associate (and later partner). She continued to provide legal services for 40 years, working as counsel for individuals and organizations throughout the region, and for many years after retirement in a pro bono capacity.
Charlotte found many outlets for her various passions over the years in Tacoma. She served on boards throughout the region focused on arts and culture, animal welfare, health and wellness, and education. While a comprehensive list would be difficult to compile, she was particularly involved with the Tacoma Art Museum, the Washington State Historical Society, the YMCA of Kitsap-Pierce County, the Tacoma Rose Society, Tacoma Rotary, Pacific Lutheran University, and Western Washington University. Shortly before her passing, she established endowments with the children’s summer camp at Kitsap-Pierce County YMCA, the music program at PLU, and the children’s studio at the Tacoma Art Museum to promote continued access to the arts in our region, especially for young people..
Charlotte was predeceased by her husband of 57 years Ray Chalker, her parents Carl and Persis, her brothers Eugene (Joan - deceased) and James (Joanie - deceased), and her son Carl. She is survived by her two dear sisters, Bunny (Frank) and Lucille Anne (Roy - deceased), her daughter Linda (Jim) Scott and grandchildren Charlotte and Jack (Justine), and her daughter-in-law Darlene Chalker and stepgrandson Owen (Kim) Rocke and their family.
Charlotte’s passing leaves a significant hole in her family, her circle of friends, and her community. Her generosity and dedication will be remembered by all who knew her.
What’s your fondest memory of Charlotte?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charlotte?
Share a story where Charlotte's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charlotte you’ll never forget.
How did Charlotte make you smile?