Charlotte Peterson-Brandenburg

Charlotte Peterson-Brandenburg, 82, from Chicago’s Gold Coast, passed away peacefully in the early morning of September 14, 2026.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her sister Judy, her brother Charles, her beloved husband of 25 years, John "Jack" Brandenburg, and her dearly loved son Matthew.

Charlotte is survived by her sister-in-law Lynne, her niece Christine, her step-son, John, and many found family.

A lifelong Chicagoan, Charlotte had a high-flying career as a marketing executive in the "Mad Men" era for Dow Jones/The Wall Street Journal, followed by a second career with United Airlines — one she took on mainly for the free airline travel, which she and Jack used with abandon.

Charlotte had a deep love of travel, murderous novels, and was a long-suffering Chicago Cubs fan. She was a fierce, stubborn, deeply loving and compassionate woman. Charlotte could and usually did speak with anyone like they were lifelong friends — and often, they became just that.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Make-A-Wish Illinois, where Charlotte spent so many years volunteering her formidable energy to get children their wishes.

Rest in love, Charlotte.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options in Schiller Park, Illinois.