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Charlotte was born to Charles and Marguerite Pagani. She was the middle child, and grew up a farmgirl on Sonoma's now historic Pagani Ranch. Throughout her life she was close to her sisters, Marie Meursinge and Norma Amantite. After Marguerite passed when Charlotte was 6, her Aunt Olive and Uncle Lou Pagani helped raise the girls as they worked incredibly hard on the ranch and family winery, alongside their uncle and father. With her large green eyes, she was given the lifelong nickname, "Googie."
Smart and athletic, Char attended Dunbar Elementary, Sonoma Valley High School '52, and UC Berkeley '57 earning a BA in Social Welfare. The bonds she forged with her Sonoma friends and college roommates were lifelong and as close as family. Very involved in school activities and community volunteering, she applied her strong work ethic to a 34-year career in Social Work for Alameda County. Char was close to her co-workers in Oakland as she caringly handled difficult cases, during turbulent times.
Charlotte married Samuel George Savinovich (1932-2002) of Pittsburg, Calif., on Nov. 25, 1961. They moved to Lafayette, Calif., where Charlotte resided for over 50 years. Charlotte is survived by her sons, Samuel and Michael, her grandchildren Alyssa, Mathew, Grace, Luke and Elisha, Sam's wife Lisa, and her sister Norma. Char is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren and very close friends. Charlotte's joyous caring nature, her generosity, her thunderous laugh, and her legendary cioppino will be missed and forever remembered. "Ciao Googie, Arrivederci!"
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Association on behalf of Char. A private family funeral service was held at Holy Cross Cemetery.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA