At the start of the spring semester in 2023, our team gathered to mourn the loss of and share our memories of Charlotte Billingsley ‘24. Charlotte passed away in a car accident on December 26th, 2022, while on a scuba diving vacation in the Dominican Republic.
Charlotte was a wonderful friend, teammate, classmate, and person. She never made a show of how hard she worked, but Charlotte was a truly dedicated teammate in all ways; in the erg room, on the water, and in the way that she looked out for her teammates. She is a source of free speed for all of us on the team, not just because of our fond memories of her, but because of the strength she exhibited behind the oar and in her life, and in the genuine kindness she gave to everyone around her.

Charlotte also had a profound love and commitment to her family. She would light up whenever the opportunity arose to talk about her brother and sister. It was truly inspiring to see how caring and protective she was as an older sister. She also had an unbelievable ability to make people feel welcome, happy, and comfortable being themselves. She always made you feel like she was happy to see you.

Charlotte managed a rigorous class schedule filled with Physics, Math, and Arabic, and rehearsal with the Middle Eastern Ensemble in which she played violin. All this was in addition to her early morning rowing practices on the water while always making time for friends and long car drives to see her siblings. Yet what was most amazing was how incredibly humble Charlotte was about everything. You’d never know how accomplished and talented she was unless you directly asked about something.
Charlotte was fun, thoughtful, genuine, resilient, incredibly smart and talented, and always a calming and inspiring presence. She had a gift for making difficult situations easier to deal with. We will remember Charlotte’s smile, her genuine thoughtfulness, her comforting presence and the fun we had together.
Charlotte was so loved. We miss her every single day.

Additional Writings
- Remembering Charlotte Billingsley from the Bowdoin Orient