Charlotte "Chickie"(Beale) Fazio (nee Lewis)

Charlotte “Chickie” (Beale) Fazio (née Lewis) Mar. 6, 2024 Charlotte “Chickie” Mary Elizabeth (Beale) Fazio (née Lewis) died March 6, 2024, in Petaluma, CA with the love of family by her side. She was 93. A San Francisco native, she was born February 16, 1931—the first child of Eilis Patricia Dunne, a young Irish immigrant from Whitegate, Co. Cork, and William F. Lewis who hailed from Paulis Valley, Oklahoma. At a young age, Charlotte received the lifelong nickname, “Chickie,” from her father because her white blonde hair resembled the downy feathers of a young chick. She attended St. Paul’s School and Balboa High. Life was tough growing up in the middle of the Great Depression. Chickie worked many jobs such as hat girl, gift wrapper, and casino card dealer while she helped raise her younger siblings. Dancing was her favorite past time; she often reminisced that she was a popular date because she was such a good dancer. In her early 20s, Chickie met a handsome young intern, John Beale, whom she soon married. Chickie and John, a prominent eye surgeon, raised five children in the City. The family was often seen running races in the City and Bay Area. The Beales were frequently featured in Herb Caen’s columns because of their lively parties and amusing stories. After their marriage ended, Chickie and her two youngest sons moved to Tahoe City and Truckee where she worked as a children’s ski instructor and office manager. Later, she moved to Novato to begin a new adventure. She proudly earned a BA from Sonoma State University (at age 58) and became invigorated by the American Association of University Women (AAUW). AAUW’s mission is to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. She eventually became president of the Novato Chapter. This was a natural extension of Chickie’s interest in women’s and social justice issues that began in the ‘60s. Chickie’s sunny personality and great style lit up any room! Smart and always inquisitive, she loved to read, travel, and learn. Chickie, in her 60s, obtained her Irish citizenship and developed an even deeper connection with her family in Ireland. She was an accomplished artist and moved with the grace of youth on the dance floor well into her 80s. Moreover, Chickie was a loving mother and grandmother—full of fun and kindness for family and friends alike. At age 81, Chickie reunited with her long lost love she met as a young woman, Gino G. Fazio, age 85. They married and bought a home in Petaluma, which brought them great pride and joy. They adopted a little dog, Bella, and settled into their cozy home. However, because of their ages, their fairytale was short-lived. Sadly, Gino passed away in 2021. In addition to Gino, Chickie is preceded in death by her parents, cherished siblings Patt Casalnuovo and Bill Lewis, and first husband and friend John P. Beale Jr., M.D. Chickie is survived by her children Kristina, Kurt, Karl (Kate), Kraig (Kellie) and Kristopher (Mikal); grandchildren Kiki Williams (Matt Smallback), Chloe Idle, Anise Burkholder, and Kassie, Claire, Carson, Kiernan and Connor Beale; great-grand child Shae Smallback and beloved family across the US and Ireland. The family wishes to acknowledge the staff of Petaluma Post Acute Rehab and Dr. James Leoni for the skilled and compassionate care provided to Chickie over the past many years. And, heartfelt thanks to all our friends and family for your kind support over the years and at this time of loss. The family plans to celebrate Chickie at a private memorial. Donations in Chickie’s honor may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association and AAUW.

Tributes

Charlotte "Chickie"(Beale) Fazio (nee Lewis)

February 16, 1931 - March 6, 2024