Charlotte Marie Kean

Charlotte Marie Kean, 83, of Torrance, California, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2023. Charlotte Marie Jundt was born at home on November 11, 1939 to Adam and Julia Jundt in Fort Yates, North Dakota. After graduating high school, Charlotte met John Kean in 1958. John and Charlotte were married on December 27, of 1958 and went on to have four children Chris, Greg, Judy and Jeanie.

Charlotte was predeceased by her husband John Kean, her parents Adam and Julia Jundt and her siblings Susan Mendenhall and Kenneth Jundt. She is survived by her sons; Christopher (Janet) Kean of Henderson, Nevada, Gregory (Diana) Kean of Lomita, California, and daughters; Judene Kean of Lomita, California. and Jeanette (Glenn) Tomikawa of Gardena, California. Her Grandchildren; Amanda Marie (Clayton) Leon of Castle Pines, Colorado, David Adam (Samantha Gillis) Kean of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Matthew Alan Kean of Colorado Springs, Colorado, John Kiyoshi (Mariko) Tomikawa and Charlotte Sumiko Tomikawa of Gardena, CA. Her Great Grandchildren Brady Kean Leon and Beckett John Leon of Castle Pines, Colorado. Her siblings Richard (Helene) Jundt of Fenton, Missouri, Jean (Mike) Duerr of Anoka, Minnesota, Jake (Karren) Jundt of Tieton, Washington and Pat (Paige) Jundt of Wenatchee, Washington as well as many treasured extended family and friends.

Charlotte was born in North Dakota, but moved to Washington when she was two years old. She and her six siblings were raised in Bremerton, Washington and Yakima, Washington. She was active and belonged to the Brownies, Girl Scouts, Young Catholic Girls Club and Daughters of America. She babysat her brothers and sisters and sometimes the neighborhood children.

At seventeen, she graduated High School (St. Joseph Academy – All Girls School Class of 1957). She took part in traveling debate tournaments, she was part of the choir, she had parts in two plays and she won a badminton tournament. Charlotte served as secretary or president of several classes, became president of the National Honor Society and Vice Prefect of the Sodality of Mary. She won a one year scholarship to St. Joe’s by winning an Essay contest. She taught high school students religious classes called “Confraternity of Christian Doctrine,” now called RCIA. Charlotte loved school and found learning to be an esoteric and euphoric experience. She wanted to become a teacher, so even considered joining the Dominican Nuns to pursue that desire. She wanted to serve God.

Charlotte met John Kean, at a Young Catholic Adults Dance, dated, fell in love and were married. They moved to Hollywood, California first, then to Los Angeles, California where Chris, Greg and Judy were born, then to Torrance, California where Jeanie was born. The four children went through grade, middle and high school at Torrance Unified School District, where Charlotte worked for seventeen years. Charlotte returned to school at 50 years old and graduated Cum Lade with a degree in Psychology and Philosophy; as well as a 2-year certificate for Alcohol and Drug Counseling. She worked at Social Vocational Services as Case Manager until she retired.

Charlotte treasured her many years of involvement in the Christian Family Movement (CFM) meetings and the close, precious friendships, family activities and events. She worked with Soul Collage groups as well as countless silent contemplative prayer retreats, weekly Thomas Aquinas prayer group gatherings and other spiritual endeavors.

She loved nature and was grateful for all the camping and travel that she was able to do over the years. She felt at home in nature and had a special love for animals enjoying all kinds of pets over the years that all became part of her family.

Charlotte‘s family was very important to her, she was always available for a hug or solid advice. She absolutely loved having her family together. Charlotte will remain in our hearts until we meet again.

-Charlotte Kean on death

“Transcending this human dimension into a spiritual one in which I will continue to shower love on my family and friends. Let nature remind you of that. When it rains, I will feel your tears; when the sun shines, I will celebrate your joys; when it’s windy, I will blow away your troubles and sorrows, although my soul and spirit will no longer be where my body once was; I will be flying free, closer to my loved ones than ever before. I will never abandon you, but promise to love you into eternity where we will meet and be together once again!”

A funeral mass for Charlotte Kean will be held at St. Catherine Laboure Church on March 11, 2023 at 9:00 am. Address: 3846 Redondo Beach Blvd., Torrance, CA 90504. Reception immediately following Funeral Mass will be at Lighthouse Memorials & Receptions – Rice Center. Address: 5310 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503. *Reception will conclude at 2:00 PM