Charlotte (Shaw) Orslene

Charlotte Orslene of the historic Penn-Craft, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on January 27, 2026, at the age of 92, in the place she loved most, surrounded by a lifetime of memories and the love she so freely gave. Charlotte was many things—a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend—but above all, she was the heart of her family.

Born on December 20, 1933, to Joseph and Elizabeth Shaw, Charlotte grew up with strong values that guided her throughout her life: devotion to family, care for her community, belief in democracy, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. She lived those values every day, not in grand gestures, but in a thousand quiet, steady acts of love.

 Charlotte’s greatest joy was her family. She raised five children with strength, honesty, and devotion, and she carried those same qualities into her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. She checked in, stayed involved, gave advice when asked (and sometimes when not), and made sure everyone knew exactly where she stood—especially when it came to politics. She was a steady presence—supportive and fiercely loving. Her late-night texts, check-in calls, and quiet acts of kindness were her way of making sure no one ever felt alone. 

Charlotte had a gift for caring for people. After her passing, we heard story after story of ways she helped others—rides given, meals made, support offered—often without telling anyone in the family. Helping was simply who she was. She gave her time to the Penn-Craft Community Association, led a quilting bee for more than 20 years, and served as a local Judge of Elections, always believing that community mattered and that everyone should do their part. 

She was a master quilter, and her quilts—like her love—were made to last. She was also an incredible cook and baker. Charlotte’s kitchen was the center of everything: a place of warmth, laughter, conversation, and comfort. No one ever left hungry, and no one ever left without feeling loved. 

Charlotte was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Louis Edward Orslene; her sisters, Dorothy Dankovich, Alice Illig, Marie Sutton, Dolores Romano, and Virginia Balog; and her brothers, Joseph Shaw, James Shaw, and Edward Shaw; brother-in-law Lawrence Orslene, and son-in-law, Terry Groves. 

She is survived by her children: Tina and Don Cropp; Barbara and Gary Sabo; Kate Groves; Lou Orslene and Kinselo Penn; and Kevin and Kim Orslene. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Gary and Jaclyn Sabo; and Michael and Katrina Valesquez; and adored great-granddaughter, Annabelle Velasquez, who gave her endless joy. Charlotte is further survived by sister-in-law’s Patty Orslene and Joanne Orslene, and brother-in-law Bill Orslene and wife, Annette. In addition, Charlotte is survived by loving nieces and nephews who remained close to her throughout her life, many of which hosted an annual birthday luncheon at her home in her later years. She is also survived by special friends Dawn Carnathan and Randy Bailey. All will cherish her memory and carry her love forward. 

Charlotte will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and the many lives she touched; her candid views on politics and the actions of others; quick wit and incredible sense of humor; and, most importantly, the special relationship she shared with her grandchildren until the end. 

Charlotte’s legacy lives on in her family, in the traditions she passed down, the community she loved, in the quilts and recipes she left behind, in the countless lives she touched and in the countless memories her family will carry with them always. 

The family kindly requests that any expressions of sympathy be made as donations to the Fayette County Food Bank, 40 Legion Street, Republic, PA 15475. 

Charlotte leaves behind a world made better by her presence—and a kitchen full of memories that will never fade. She shaped who her children are, how they care for one another, and how they show up in the world. Love like death changes everything.

The Kish-Fabry Funeral Home, Inc., Republic, PA has been entrusted with Charlotte’s professional funeral arrangements.