‘Our love for you will never fade’

The devastated parents of a young Bermudian woman who died in the US have drawn solace from the incredible impact their daughter had on so many lives.

James and Pauline Watlington told the Bermuda Sun they had been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support they had received in the wake of their daughter Charlotte’s death.

The 34-year-old died on Tuesday in Boston where she had been receiving medical treatment for the last year. Her family described the talented and popular young woman as “an incredibly loving, loyal and kind hearted” soul.

Speaking to the Sun from Boston, Mr Watlington said that his daughter had had her challenges in life, but always remained positive and eager to help others.

He said: “There was so much that was positive about Charlotte.

“As a child she loved sailing and took part in international competitions with her friend Nicky Crane.

“She loved horses, too, and would always give anything a go. We were always behind her in what she did and wanted to see her live a happy and productive life.

“We thought we had got there and had noticed a dramatic turn around in her since March of this year. She was a remarkably optimistic and happy person.

“It’s just very sad.”

Ms Watlington attended Bermuda High School for Girls and was a keen sailor and equestrian.

She went on to work as the events co-ordinator at Willowbank in Sandys before moving to Boston for treatment around a year ago.

Her mother told the Sun she had been astounded to discover the number of lives her daughter had touched.

She said: “Charlotte was such tremendous fun.

“She really loved everyone. She adored animals and children and would always make time for her friends. She was a very giving person.

“Since moving to Boston she had really got back into the sailing and she had found her real passion again.

“One of her plans was to work with handicapped children and teach them to sail.

“She was building a very happy life with lots of friends around her.

“Boston was the place she really wanted to make her home.”

She added: “Charlotte made a huge impact on so many people’s lives.

Support

“We are fortunate to have very supportive friends and family to help us at this time. People just keep coming out of the woodwork saying how much Charlotte meant to them.

“And that means so much to us. We hope she will never be forgotten.”

 One of Miss Watlington’s best friends, Nicky Crane, described her as ‘a ball of energy and sunshine’.

Speaking to the Sun from California Ms Crane added: “I first met Charlotte when I was 12 at the Yacht Club camp.

“She was so energetic and the centre of attention. She would make everyone laugh and was extremely outgoing.

“We went to school together at BHS became very close friends and sailed together in international competitions in places like Japan.

“It always seemed that Charlotte knew everyone. She would talk to anyone and just make friends.

“She was such a tremendous friend and cared so much about other people.

“It’s difficult to put into works the feeling of shock and loss I feel. She was such a memorable person.”