ELKHART -- Charlene Ann Ottavi, age 67, a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother "Bubba," sister, cousin and friend, went home to prepare a place in heaven for her loved ones on July 28, 2009.

For two and a half years, she courageously assisted the oncologists, Dr. Paul Helft and Dr. Higenia Cardenes, in directing her treatment for esophageal cancer, in a way that made all who knew her proud. Even as her health deteriorated, she carefully planned a trip for her entire family to Tybee Island, Ga.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Heinrich and Carolyn Schindalga.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis, who resides at Woodland Manor in Elkhart, and her children, Denise (Jim) Hart of Indianapolis, Gina Vance of Elkhart, Brian (Kim) Ottavi of Elkhart and Brett (Melissa) Ottavi of Elkhart. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Caleb, Jake and Erin Hart, Anna Vance, Zachary and Alexis Ottavi, and Isabella Ottavi, along with her sisters, Bonnie Hardwick and Andrea Jirkovsky, several cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as many friends.

Charlene is also survived by her faithful friend, "Vinny."

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2009, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola, where a rosary will be recited. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted by the Rev. Daniel Scheidt at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mishawaka. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

Her family would like to thank the dedicated medical professionals who provided her care, the staff at Woodland Manor and the employees of Hospice House in Elkhart for their compassionate care.

In Charlene's memory, contributions may be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, The Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be sent to the Ottavi family at www.chapelhillmemorial.com.