Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s mother Charlotte Bloomberg died today at the age of 102, the mayor said tonight, calling her extraordinary long life a blessing.
Charlotte Bloomberg died at her home in the Boston suburb of West Medford, the mayor’s office said. Her son released a statement calling her long life a blessing to her family.
“Today, my sister Marjorie and I lost our mother, Charlotte, after an extraordinary 102 years of life. As the center of our family, our mother’s unimpeachable integrity, fierce independence, and constant love were gifts that profoundly shaped our lives and the lives of so many who knew her. Our family recognizes how truly blessed we have been to have her live such a long and full life, and to be able to carry her spirit with us forever.”
Born Charlotte Rubens in 1909 in Jersey City, NJ, she graduated with a degree from in accounting from New York University in 1929, and married William H. Bloomberg in 1934. He died in 1963.
Even into her late 90s she was active volunteer in her community, and attended her mayor son’s side swearing-in ceremonies in 2002 and 2006. She remained feisty and quick-witted to the end: In 2009, as Michael Bloomberg visited his beloved elderly mother on her 100th birthday, he marvelled at her longevity.
“She remembers electricity coming into the house or apartment she lived in and gas lamps going out. She remembers the first car in the neighborhood,” the mayor said at the time.
“Today, she carries a cellphone and e-mails.”
Aside from her mayor son, Charlotte Bloomberg is also survived by a daughter, Marjorie Tiven, and five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren
Burial will be private. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to the Medford Public Library, 111 High Street, Medford MA 02155, Temple Shalom, 475 Winthrop Street, Medford, MA 02155 or the Medford Chapter of Hadassah care of Temple Shalom..