Charlotte  Montague Hardin (99)  Lesan passed away on December 18, 2020 following a brief illness, at the age of 99 1/2.  She was born July 10, 1921, in Helena, Arkansas to Flora East Hardin and Melver “Dick” Hardin.  She moved to California when she was three years old, living in both Corcoran and Wasco, before coming to Madera at age nine.  

She went to local schools, attended the University of California for two years before transferring to Fresno State where she graduated with a teaching credential in the primary grades.  She taught one year of kindergarten in Chowchilla, before marrying James Lesan, of Madera, in 1945 upon his separation from the Air Force.

She was prominent in the community.  She was a member of the Episcopal Church, as a Sunday school teacher and member of Madera Holy Trinity Church, many times serving on the vestry.  For many years, she was also active in Chapter DT of P.E.O., Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, Sigma Theta, and Madera Republican Women Federated.   Groups that were dear to her heart were Camp Fire and the Madera Historical Society.

Charlotte is preceded in death by her husband, James Lesan, her brother, Richard Hardin, and her sister, Patricia Hardin Blackburn.

She is survived by her two daughters, Lari Lesan Parich (Alan Michaels) and Catherine Lesan Markl (David); four grandchildren, Sunny Parich Jefferson (Tim),  Chris Parich, Jeffrey MacIlraith, and Shelly MacIlraith Little (Mark); seven great-grandchildren, Malia Jefferson, Dane Jefferson, Audrey Little, Blake Little, Charlotte Little, Jaden MacIlraith, and Julia MacIlraith; along with many nieces and nephews.  Charlotte is also survived by eight first cousins.

A service will be held on Monday, July 12, at 10 AM and the United Methodist Church of Madera and followed by a celebration at the Vineyard Restaurant in Madera.

Donations in Charlotte's name may be given to the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, PO Box 517,  Madera, Ca, 93639,  and The Madera Historical Society, P.O. Box 150, Madera, CA  93639.