Charlotte Mary Lavery passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026. Born August 17, 1929, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, she was a lifelong “Jersey Girl”. She grew up in Bloomfield where she graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1947. After High School she attended the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts where she excelled. Her charcoal portraits still amaze anyone who has seen them. During this time period, she met the love of her life, Edward and they began a long and adventurous life together. They moved out of their apartment in Newark and bought property in Schooley’s Mountain. With love and determination, they built their house and raised their four children. The family spent their summers at the Jersey Shore.
In the late 1960’s, Charlotte decided to embark on a whole new career as a substitute teacher in the Washington Township school system, a position she held for several decades. She specialized in long term assignments and treated each one as if she was their regular teacher, not just the substitute. She was known for her ability to mix the right amount of discipline and compassion and to this day former students remember her as one of the best teachers they ever had.
She was a skilled seamstress and would always make sure her children were dressed neatly for Sunday Mass at Our Lady of the Mountain Church, where she was a member of the Rosary Society. Her art overflowed in her many hobbies: doll making, beading, designing household furnishings, and decorating cakes for special family occasions. She also loved to travel – whether with her husband to Bermuda, California and Hawaii, with extended family to visit relatives in Italy, or with her school colleagues to discover England and Russia (as a few examples)! She loved meeting new people and learning about new places.
Charlotte’s home was one filled with love and good food! Even early on, with limited means, there was always room at the table for another late-minute guest or a spare bed for our friends. She loved to sit on the deck by the pool or behind her house and enjoy the view. Even into her later years, she would remark how lucky she and Dad were to have settled on such a beautiful piece of property.
She was especially proud of her very large family – her children – Charlotte Richardson, Edward Lavery (wife, MaryEllen), Sean Lavery, and Megan Smith (partner, Derek Taylor); her grandchildren – Jackie Sobotka (husband, Mike), Jim Richardson, Patrick Lavery (wife, Kristen), Martha Lavery, Bryan Lavery (wife, Marika), Mike Lavery (wife, Roberta), Daniel Lavery, Ben Smith (wife, Liz), Maggie Smith (partner, Bin Xiao), Ian Smith and Sam Smith, and her great grandchildren – Faith, Shelby, Cara, Margaux, Nora, Stella, Cooper, Cora, Delaney, Teagan, Arthur and Nico. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all of whom she kept near and dear to her heart.
Charlotte was predeceased by her parents, William and Kasimira (Charlotte) Mercurio, her beloved husband of 46 years, Edward Lavery, her sisters Mary Ann Kenny and Billie Carol Moraveck, and her son-in-law, Scott Smith.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Long Valley First Aid Squad.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High St., Hackettstown, N.J. 07840 . Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com .
9 Condolences for Lavery, Charlotte
Condolences(9)
Bill Glennon says
September 1, 2026 at 3:15 pmI was fortunate to have Mrs.Lavery as a teacher!
Matt Caufield says
September 6, 2026 at 8:03 pmI have such fond memories of Mrs Lavery. I’m so lucky to have been able to have her as a teacher. She was such a kind hearted person with such a gentle spirit.
My heartfelt condolences go out to all her family. Praying all the fond memories you have provide comfort during this difficult time.
Sandra & Jeff Smith says
September 1, 2026 at 4:01 pmSo sorry for your loss. May you rest in peace sweet lady.
Debe (DeGraw) Moran says
September 1, 2026 at 4:59 pmSo truly saddened for your loss. Sending prayers of strength at this time and may all of the amazing memories shared see you through.
God Bless
Mike Pandiscia says
September 1, 2026 at 6:17 pmThinking of you Megan and Charlotte. All my LOVE to you and family. Prayers for your mother always. Mike Pandiscia
Linda Gebbia says
September 1, 2026 at 8:15 pmSo Sorry to hear of the passing of Charlotte.
She was a ray of sunshine and such a pleasure to work with.
Rest in Peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who had the pleasure to know her.
Roseann Ruggiero says
September 2, 2026 at 9:50 pmTo all the Lavery family. My deepest condolences on your Mother’s passing. She was a warm and adorable woman who always had a kind word for me whenever we met. It makes sense she raised some of the most warm and adorable people I have ever met. There is nothing I can say to ease your pain, but know I speak from experience when I tell you, she will always be with you. Keep her close by telling her stories. Share them with her grandchildren, especially the funny stories. You are her legacy and it is a truly grand one. At this time give yourselves the grace to grieve and be very kind to each other.💔🙏
Roseann Ruggiero says
September 2, 2026 at 9:52 pmMy deepest condolences on your Mother’s passing. She was a warm and adorable woman who always had a kind word for me whenever we met. There is nothing I can say to ease your pain, but know I speak from experience when I tell you, she will always be with you. Keep her close by telling her stories. Share them with her grandchildren, especially the funny stories. You are her legacy and it is a truly grand one. At this time give yourselves the grace to grieve and be very kind to each other.💔🙏
Barbara Shaw says
September 3, 2026 at 12:08 pmMy deepest sympathy to all the family. I loved meeting your Mom at the General Store often years back and catching up on our lives and family. She was such a great person. And so part of the mountain history. God Bless!
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