Charlotte Lakin Obituary

Charlotte R. (Palmer) Lakin, 97, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.  Born in Springfield, daughter of the late Charles and Ruth (Sheldon) Palmer, she lived most of her life in West Springfield and was a 1946 graduate of West Springfield High School.  She was a lifelong member of Mittineague Congregational Church and worked for the town as polling precinct warden for several decades into her 90’s. Charlotte was a born caretaker, known for her green thumb and sense of humor.  In 1973, she realized her dream of becoming a nurse. She spent her career working in Labor & Delivery at Baystate Medical Center until her retirement.  She continued on as a volunteer at Baystate into her 90’s. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Charles W. “Bud” Lakin in 2008, her three siblings, Shirley Littlefield, Mac Palmer and Frank Palmer. She leaves her two loving daughters, Cyndi J. Lakin, with whom she lived, Karen R. and her husband, James McInerny, all of West Springfield as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.  Thank you to the JGS hospice “angels” and the A2 staff. Thank you to her frequent Baystate VNA crew, Catherine, Rick, Steve and Lee who helped make it possible for her to remain home as long as she did. Charlotte loved “critters” of all kinds, but was particularly touched by police and US Armed Service Dogs, often saying “If I win Megabucks, I would buy vests for the dogs.” Calling hours are Friday from 4-7pm at Curran Jones Funeral Home, 109 Main Street, West Springfield. The funeral and burial are private.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the Massachusetts Vesta-a-Dog, Inc., Box 113, Mendon, MA 01756-1063 or mavestadog.org For online condolences, please visit www.curranjones.com