Mary A. Charles, 83, of Waterloo, died Friday, March 11, 2011 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. She was born August 11, 1927 in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Julia Walker Pitzenberger.

Mary attended St. John Catholic School and OLVA. She graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1945. She attended Rosary College in Illinois and graduated from the University of Iowa.

Mary married Robert J. Charles on October 28, 1950 in Waterloo; he died December 11, 1998. Founded by her parents, Mary owned and operated Pitze’s, Inc. which included the Waterloo School of Beauty, Pitze’s Beauty Salon, and Pitze’s Supply until her retirement.

Mary was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church. She was devoted to her children and her work. She was an avid Bridge player and enjoyed her Bridge group. She was a crossword puzzle and Sudoku fanatic.

Mary is survived by six children: son Stephen Charles and his wife Debbie of Fairfield, Connecticut; daughter Julia Charles of Aurora, Colorado; daughter Susan Koontz of Waterloo; daughter Terri Churchill and her husband Greg of Marion; son Frank Charles of Golden, Colorado; and son Fred Charles and his wife Holly of Springville, Iowa. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Court, Tyler and Connor Charles; Graham and Alexandra Churchill; Madeline and Chloe Rohlf; Nick and Jessica Charles; and Nathan and Caryn Charles.

Mary is preceded in death by daughter Carol Charles Rohlf.