Charlotte Elaine Cross

 Cross, Charlotte E. passed away on Friday, January 26th and is survived by sons Michael and Paul and daughter Tammy, grandchildren Dominique and Alexis and a host of great grandchildren.  She is preceded in passing by her beloved husband, Lt. Col Granville Cross USAF.  Charlotte grew up in Chicago, Illinois and loved classical music, reading books, and ice hockey.  She received a Bachelors degree from the Chicago Teachers College in 1958 and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Troy State University in 1986.  She was a middle-school and high school teacher who taught a wide range of courses including business administration, history and typing throughout her professional career in the United States and in the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DODDS) system in Germany and Spain.  During her tenure in Zaragoza,Spain she was the President of the Zaragoza Federation of Teachers where she led the fight to protect students and teachers against students from being exposed to asbestos contamination and fought the DODDS-M and base officialdom until they became more cautious about asbestos in DODDS schools. She protested was described as unrelenting.  As a result of her efforts, DODDS became safer with less chance of asbestos contamination in the schools. She was awarded the OFT Dragonslayer award, which is based on the legend of St. George who slew the dragon.  The award is given to individuals whose great personal efforts, against heavy odds, brought benefits to teachers and students throughout DODDS.  Upon leaving DODDS, Charlotte moved with her husband Lt. Col (ret) Granville Cross to Albuquerque, New Mexico where she continued teaching in the Albuquerque school system until she retired.  She was a member of numerous organizations that worked for the betterment of mankind, including the Southern Poverty Law Center, and was an active supporter of unions. Charlotte was an active member of First Church of Christ, Scientists.   She was an avid bowler, golfer, gardener, card player, art lover, and sports enthusiast.  She will be remembered most as a loving, gentle mother who loved her husband and children very much.  As requested by Charlotte, there will not be a memorial service.  To view information or leave a condolence please visit: www.strongthorne.com.