Charlotte Chieko Tamashiro

In Loving Memory of Charlotte, aka “Mrs. T”

Charlotte Chieko Tamashiro, known to many as the legendary “Mrs. T”, passed away on December 23, 2025, at the age of 79, in her Torrance, California home surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 17, 1946, in Honolulu, Hawaii, she grew up in Kailua with her sister and four brothers. Charlotte brought island spirit, creativity, passion, and heart wherever life took her.

After studying arts and education at the California State University, Los Angeles, Charlotte poured her heart into what she loved most, teaching our youth and encouraging them to think outside the box. From 1969 to 2013, she taught over a thousand students in the Torrance Unified School District, spending hours creating engaging lessons, inspiring confidence, sparking curiosity, and building unforgettable memories. If you were lucky enough to be in her class, you didn’t just learn, you were cared for.

Charlotte had a lifelong love of art and athletics. With her artistic talents she drew, painted, played the guitar, and twirled batons. Fueled by a competitive spirit, she ran track, bowled, played softball and volleyball, swam, and later, cheered loud while keeping stats at her son’s, daughter’s, and grandkids’ basketball games. She always found time to enjoy movies that kept her on the edge of her seat, while snacking on popcorn and her favorite candies. She also had a big heart for animals, filling her home with more love and laughter.

Charlotte is survived by her devoted husband, Rodney; her son, Jason, and his wife Tricia, and their children Jack and Quinn; and her daughter Julie, and her husband Keith, and their children Era and Ellis. She is also survived by her brother Norman.

Her creativity, humor, energy, and love will continue to shine through her children, grandchildren, and students. Charlotte (“Mrs. T”) will be missed dearly. May her bright smile and cute dimples live in our hearts.

There will be a memorial service celebrating Charlotte’s life at 10am on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 S Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. Business Casual/Aloha Attire.