Charlotte Hackamack
By Toni Hackamack-Martinez, daughter
WATSONVILLE, CALIF. – Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, she will bring laughter wherever she goes. That was Charlotte Hackamack born January 25, 1937, in Freedom, California to loving parents Charles and Minnie Hoover. Charlotte was the baby of the family spoiled rotten by her two older brothers and sisters and adored by her parents who often said “Let the little thing do what she wants!”
Karl Hackamack and Charlotte met at a family celebration after graduating, and it was a done deal where she was concerned. She always knew her own mind and told everyone this was the man she was going to marry. Just as she predicted, they were married April 14, 1957 and left for the Mojave Desert where Dad worked as a Tractor Driver Henry Marshall.
They returned to Watsonville and started their family once my Dad’s job was done in the desert. In the early years, Charlotte worked for Hansen Pontiac in Watsonville but left as their family grew. She wanted to stay home to raise her kids. Once they were all out of elementary school, Charlotte returned to work as an administrative assistant for Salispuedes School. The students became her extended family and when kids spotted her in town, they would all wave a hello then introduce her to their parents. It’s hard to say how many children share warm memories of Mrs. Hackamack and how much she cared for them.
Mom traveled with Dad to team roping events for 40 years watching as a spectator and making lifelong friends along the way. Charlotte became the resident “Boot Joke Teller,” or any good joke for that matter. She loved making people laugh and they loved laughing with her. Charlotte saw the bright side no matter what was going on in her life or the lives of those she loved. This was a woman for whom the glass was always half full. She was the Mom that took her kids everywhere: football games for Karl, cross country for Wayne, and team roping for Toni.
Charlotte lost the man she loved on September 20, 2013 Mom and Dad had 60 wonderful years together. She never forgot he was the one she’d chosen all those years ago. But with Karl gone she filled her time playing Pedro at Corralito’s or wherever she could find a game. She loved being social and would make trips to Nob Hill Foods in Watsonville where it became a social gathering. She loved sewing and growing begonias.
Charlotte also loved a good flea market where she and I competed for the collectible glass. It was no secret she loved sparkle and the outings we shared hunting for the perfect addition to our collections, will be a memory I will not forget.
Mom’s earthly journey was full of stories that made for great conversation. Her love of life and those she shared it with is a tribute to the woman we remember. Our world is a little smaller without her, but we know she is watching over us as we continue our journey without her. We don’t doubt she is there with us every step we take. Rest in peace, Mom, knowing you were well loved and are deeply missed.
Billie Hanner shared memories of her friend Charlotte Hackamack.
“I became acquainted with Charlotte in Ceres, California at Hunnicutt’s Arena. My husband Jim and her husband Karl drew up together in an under 5 roping. Karl roped the steer and Jim also caught but picked up way too many feet. Charlotte and I were cheering in the stands, and when the dust settled, we introduced ourselves and we clicked right away. I was a firm believer in supporting the ACTRA Catastrophe Fund and began having fun, games, auctions and other activities to build the fund’s dollars to help members in need. Charlotte joined and supported every fundraiser. The most memorable occasion was a “Fashion Show” in the Doc Bar at the National Finals in Reno. It was a huge success. If I recall that was the beginning of the so-called “Ladies in the Loop.”
“No one could tell a joke better than my friend Charlotte. I already miss our phone calls. But as her daughter Toni said “my mom is in a better place.”
Charlotte’s services will be held Saturday, April 8, at 11 a.m. at Pajaro Valley Memorial Park, 127 Hecker Pass Road, Watsonville, CA 95076. A Celebration of Life will be held after from noon to 6 p.m. at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville, CA 95076.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: ACTRA Catastrophe Fund; Agricultural History Project of Watsonville; or Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Awareness.