Harrington an Inspiration to Those Who Know Her

By ARLENE NYGREN
MORRIS

How many people do you know who love to golf? How about 85-year-old women? Charlotte Harrington is just that gal, and she is a champion to me and an inspiration to girls and women in countless ways.

Charlotte was born in New Lisbon and grew up in Morris, graduating from Morris High School, where she was a cheerleader and drum majorette. She enjoyed roller skating and it was on a rink where she met the love of her life, George. Rounds of skating led to a dance date and eventually marriage. Upon the advice of family and a guidance counselor, Charlotte graduated from Albany Business College before marriage. After living in Garrattsville, the couple settled in Morris, started a family, and Charlotte began a career as an office clerk at Preferred Mutual Insurance in New Berlin.

Thirty-seven years later, Charlotte retired as a vice president in human resources—an example one can aspire to.

George enjoyed golfing with friends and family, especially at Colonial Ridge Golf in Laurens. Charlotte joined them one evening and the next day she bought her own clubs. At 55, she was hooked on the game and plays today with her second set of clubs. Weekends were active on the grounds of Colonial Ridge and in retirement, Charlotte and Roger travelled and sought out golf courses throughout the Northeast.

With George’s passing 17 years ago, Charlotte continues to golf two to three times a week. It’s a great social outlet and affords rewarding physical activity, she said. Having a heart valve replacement and surviving Stage 4 melanoma on a lower leg hasn’t slowed the passion. Just last month, 54 teams entered the Glen Waffle Memorial Golf Tournament in Laurens. Charlotte’s team placed fourth.

Charlotte’s daughter Janann Phillips, a retired RN, doesn’t play golf but her son, Tyler Phillips is a scratch golfer. In seventh grade, he played varsity and went to nationals twice during college. Tyler took his grandmother to the Masters Tournament in 2018, one of her most memorable golf days.

Presently, Charlotte is scheduled for total knee replacement. Interviewing Charlotte was heartwarming. She’s not a bragger in the least, and to me this 85-year-old woman should be enamored and cheered.

Arnold Palmer once said, “Success in golf depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character.”

Charlotte Harrington has it all.