In Loving Memory Of Charlotte Richards Yoneda
Oct 29, 1950 - Nov 20, 2009
Charlotte Richards Yoneda, owner of Fort Bragg Yoga and Pilates Studio, and local fitness and wellness icon passed away November 20 at her home in Sacramento, surrounded by her loving family. For the past few years, Charlotte bravely fought a rare, debilitating illness with courage, grace, tenacity and a positive outlook that touched the hearts of all who knew her.
For close to three decades, she inspired countless people to embrace healthier living. She taught various group exercise classes in Mendocino and Fort Bragg, including aerobics, step aerobics, kickboxing and strength training. Eventually, Pilates work led her to the purchase of the Fort Bragg Yoga Studio. As a Reiki Master, she shepherded numerous individuals to become Reiki practitioners. Through training nurses, she was pivotal in introducing our local hospital to the healing potential of Reiki. As a licensed massage therapist and personal trainer, she taught movement practices to assist in injury prevention and self healing, as well and tending to clients with healing body work. She also assisted clients as a nutritional consultant.
Charlotte whole heartedly loved learning. Her personal commitment to continuing education was constant. Charlotte’s drive in developing the Fort Bragg Yoga and Pilates Studio was guided by her deep love of the Mendocino coast community. Her intention was to make available great classes and workshops in mind-body-spirit wellness. She envisioned the Studio as a whole health center for complementary modalities. This included a supportive environment for the professional fitness providers that allowed them creative oversight of their programs so as to fully bring their passion to their classes and clients. When her illness brought her to Sacramento, she continued with the same vision, and began creating a Healing Sanctuary and Garden through which the Sacramento community could have access to similar classes and workshops.
Charlotte’s vibrant smile, jubilant approach to living and zest for life will burn brightly in all those she leaves behind. She is survived by her beloved husband Tom , daughter Eliana, mother Harriet Richards, sisters Pauli Robinson and Robbie Richards, and extended family Tamara Yoneda, Yvonne, Anthony, Maya and Ariana Donaldson, and Natasha and Levi Saelua.
All are invited to join her family at a Memorial in celebration of Charlotte’s life at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall in Mendocino on Saturday, December 5 from 2 to 4pm. Following, there will be a candle lighting ceremony at 6:30pm, and a Kirtan from 7 to 8pm at the Fort Bragg Yoga and Pilates Studio located at 426 S. Franklin Street. For more information, please call 962-0356.