WILMINGTON, MA — Charlotte McNee, (Heinisch), fondly known as “Lottie” to her family and friends, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2020; she was 87 years old.
Lottie was born on May 27, 1932, in Schweinfurt, Germany; she was the dear daughter of the late Frank and Katharina (Grunewald) Heinisch. Lottie was raised and educated in Schweinfurt; she along with her family survived some very rough times in Germany during World War II. In her later years, Lottie, would share her “war” stories with her family and she was always thankful for her life in America.
Lottie met and fell in love with a young American soldier named William Somerville McNee, while he was stationed in Germany. The couple were soon inseparable and married in Germany on March 13, 1952; Bill and Lottie celebrated 60 years of marriage and had many great times together before his passing in April of 2012.
Lottie and Bill moved to the United States following his discharge from the Army; the couple lived in Somerville for several years before moving to Wilmington where they raised their three sons, Billy, Bobby and David. Upon Lottie’s arrival to the States she quickly taught herself to learn, speak, read and write in English by watching television and paying attention to others; she was determined to fit in.
Lottie was a wonderful mother; she was strict but fair and she would do anything for “her boys”. As a homemaker, she was “second to none” Lottie kept a beautiful home, she was an amazing cook, baker and was very devoted to her family. Lottie also enjoyed her role as “Oma” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she often told them stories of growing up in Germany, it’s beauty, the Alps, her family and surviving during the War years; she never forgot her roots.
When Bill retired, the couple moved to Florida where they resided for over 21 years and made many friends. In the early 2000’s, as Bill’s health started to decline; Lottie and Bill returned to Wilmington to be closer to their family for support.
Lottie was very religious; she found much strength throughout her life in her Faith in God. Lottie was very active in the Abundant Life Christian Church, where she made some great friends and found much solace and strength through her relationship with other members and her Pastor Ron.
Lottie will be fondly remembered as “quite a lady”; she was beautiful inside and out. She loved her family and friends with all her heart and she will forever be missed by everyone she touched.
Lottie was the beloved wife of the late William S. “Bill” McNee, devoted mother of David McNee of Chelmsford, formerly of Wilmington, the late William McNee and the late Robert McNee. Loving “Oma” of Ryan, Brenda, Duran, Alivia, Bobby Jr., David Jr., and Devin McNee, as well as several great-grandchildren. Special mother-in-law of Tina Marino McNee of North Andover and Crissy Bilicki McNee of Atkinson, NH, dear sister of Rufina “Fini” Guerra, Franz Heinisch and Kurt Heinisch. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Due to the current crisis of the Coronavirus and for everyone’s safety; the McNee family has decided to have a private service at this time.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlotte’s memory may be made to the Abundant Life Church, Attn: Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, 173 Church St., Wilmington, MA 01887.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from Nichols Funeral Home.)
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