Florence, AL — Charlotte Marie Sak Manis, born on March 3, 1943, in Joliet, IL was sent to her eternal home on Saturday, December 20th in Florence, AL.  She was the beloved daughter of Richard and Helen Sak and brother of James Sak.

Charlotte spent much of her early life in the Joliet, IL, where she graduated from Joliet Township High School ('61), College of St. Francis ('65), and Northern Illinois University ('69). Charlotte was a career educator.  She was a teacher in the Troy/Braidwood, IL community from 1965-1994.  In 1995, Charlotte relocated to Florence, AL to be nearer to her brother Jim Sak.  Over the next thirty years, Charlotte continued her personal journey in music and Christ sharing herself with the Florence church congregations of St. Joseph and The Good Shepard.

Music was important to Char.  Remarkably, she could play any instrument from keys to wind to string to percussion. Everyone who knew Charlotte easily recognized that her earthly journey was to combine hard work, charity, love of music and Christian piety. She greeted everyone with a smile. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her.

Christ was most essential in Charlotte's life as she was a dependable and dedicated member to her congregation and was an involved lay person in ministry. Although Char was extremely frugal with herself, she was very generous to others, providing aid and wisdom.  We ask that you remember Charolotte for the way she lived life, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who knew her.

Charlotte was a cherished daughter, sister and aunt. Charlotte is survived by her two nephews Eugene Sak (Jewell Graham) and Duane Sak (Julie), her grandnephew and grandnieces, Ethan Howard Sak, Emma-Claire Sak, Mollie Marie Sak.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 203 Plum Street, Florence, AL Florence, AL immediately followed by a memorial mass held at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the music programs at your school or church.