Jane Elizabeth Charters' Obituary
Jane Elizabeth Charters, 77, of Lewes, DE, peacefully passed away on May 12, 2025.
Jane was born on May 17, 1947, in Washington, DC, and was the oldest child of Charles U. Tretler, Sr. and Henrietta E. Tretler. She is survived by her daughter, Jessica Charters (Andy) of Millsboro, DE, and her son, Jonathan Charters (Tina) of Villa Hills, KY; two brothers, Charles U. (Bucky) Tretler, Jr. (Debbie) of Norfolk, VA, and Robert H. (Bobby) Tretler (Jeanie) of St. Augustine, FL; her three beloved granddogs, Loki, Norman, and Reggie; nephews Andy Tretler (Jennifer) and CJ Tretler (Cheyenne); niece Juliet Tretler; and numerous extended family and friends.
Jane grew up in Morningside/Camp Springs, MD. She attended Mount Calvary Elementary School and graduated in 1965 from La Reine High School in Suitland, MD. Jane went on to attend Marymount College in Arlington, VA, before beginning a distinguished career in Human Resources with the Bureau of Printing and Engraving (BPE). During her time at BPE, Jane was selected to serve as a staff member on President Jimmy Carter’s National Advisory Committee for Women.
Jane served the federal government for more than 30 years, including roles with the Naval Investigative Service and the DOD Defense Criminal Investigative Service. At the time of her retirement, she served as the Head of Management for the DOD Office of Inspector General. Jane received many awards and honors throughout her federal service.
After retirement, Jane moved to Gaithersburg, MD, in 2002 and began working at Johnson’s Flower and Garden Center in Kensington, MD. She remained with Johnson’s until relocating to Lewes in 2014. In her retirement, Jane enjoyed playing mahjong, canasta, and bunco with her neighbors in the Senators community. She also served as Treasurer for Lewes in Bloom and was a dedicated volunteer at the Historic Lewes Farmers Market.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd, West, Silver Spring, MD, 20901 where family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Gate of Haven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20906.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to one of the following organizations that were meaningful to Jane: Lewes In Bloom, www.lewesinbloom.org, Cancer Care , www.cancercare.org, or the Historic Lewes Farmers Market, www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.
Jane will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her generous heart, unwavering integrity, and warm spirit left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
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