Chara Curtis (born Patricia Eloise Mahar) died in her home in Anacortes, WA, on Oct. 30, 2024, due to complications of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).

She was born May 14, 1950, in Austin MN, to Harold (Dick) Eugene Louis Mahar and Gloria Lavalleur Mahar. Her family moved to Fairmont, MN, where she was raised along with her six siblings. As she came of age in the sixties, her intelligence and creative spirit found joy in raising the consciousness and eyebrows of her small-town neighbors. A gifted student and musician, she performed in the Fairmont High School Choir and Orchestra, and as lead singer in the Psychopaths.

Her marriage to Steve Henderson in 1969 provided a memorable event in the history of Fairmont as its first "hippy" wedding. Hundreds of spectators filled boats and pontoons on Hall Lake but were disappointed to observe through binoculars and telescopes that the couple exchanged love beads fully clothed, not nude, as had been rumored.

A lifelong writer of music, lyrics, poetry and stories, she moved from small-town Minnesota to northern Wisconsin, Nashville, TN, Chicago Ill., Istanbul, and eventually settled in the Pacific Northwest where she discovered the space and inspiration to write children's books that inspire imagination and unity: "How Far to Heaven," (1993); "All I See is Part of Me," (1994 – and awarded 1996 Body Mind Spirit Magazine Award of Excellence); No One Walks on My Father's Moon (1996 – and awarded 1997 Washington State Governor's Writers Award); and Fun is a Feeling (1998).

Chara questioned expectations and assumptions of the status quo, lived life on her own terms, and encouraged others to broaden their view to understand our spiritual connection with one another and all of creation.

She was predeceased by her parents, brother-in-law Bob Heathcote, and former husbands Steve Henderson and Michael Prater.  She is survived by her siblings: Richard (Mary) Mahar, Williston, ND; Pam Vogen, Vail, CO; Jenny Heathcote, Phoenix, AZ; Debra (Mahara) Mahar, Anacortes, WA; Doug (Leigh) Mahar, Rougemont, NC; Bonnie (Dave) Smith, Kansas City, MO; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. The family is especially grateful to Geoff Freeman who provided and organized loving care for her over the past few years of her life.

The family gathered with Chara earlier this fall to celebrate her life while she could participate in the party. Those who wish to honor her memory can spend an evening or a lifetime watching Rachel Maddow, and/or donate to an organization that honors kindness, self-worth, compassion, and unity.

And I can see, in all of me, that there can be No End. (All I See is Part of Me)

To share memories of Chara please visit https://www.evanschapel.com/obituary/chara-curtis