Charlotte Ray Adams, 74, of Gorham Maine passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones in California after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born on March 31, 1950, in Queens, New York, to Marion Heath and Donald Adams, Charlotte led a remarkable life full of service, compassion, and love.

Charlotte was a proud graduate of Gorham High School (1968) and Westbrook Junior College (1973)

A trailblazer, Charlotte made history as the first female police officer hired by the Westbrook Police Department, serving for 25 years. She was the second modern-day female police officer in the state of Maine. She was promoted to Youth Aid Officer in 1981, and later a Detective, she investigated some of the toughest cases, including sexual abuse, homicides, and elder abuse, always championing the most vulnerable. After having her daughter, she moved back to day shift patrol, balancing her career and motherhood with grace.

Her empathy extended beyond her profession; after retirement from the police department she moved to Florida with her daughter and became a foster parent, offering a safe haven to many children in need.

She eventually moved to California to be closer to her daughter, Melissa, and her son-in-law, Yosh. Her greatest joy came from becoming a grandmother in 2022, when her granddaughter, Ava Charlotte, was born. Ava was the light of her life in her final years.

Charlotte had a deep love for nature and spent many hours in her garden, tending to her plants, finding peace in nature walks, and listening to her favorite music. She also enjoyed thrifting for antique furniture with her daughter, Melissa, and together, they uncovered hidden treasures and shared countless laughs.

Charlotte is survived by her daughter Melissa Rau (Adams), son-in-law Yosh Rau, granddaughter Ava Charlotte Rau, her brother Donald Adams, her sister Lani McGowen (Adams), her nephew Larry Hodgkins, and her nieces Sarah McGowen-Audet, and Katherine MacDowell. 

Charlotte’s love, strength, and generous spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A memorial service to celebrate Charlotte’s life will be held at The White Rock Community Club in Gorham, Maine, on October 23, 2024, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Mom would want you to be comfortable, so come as you are—there’s no need to dress up if you don’t wish.

Should you wish to, the family kindly asks that, in lieu of flowers, small contributions be made to Ava’s college fund.

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