In Loving Memory of Charlene “Ifea” Lolita Vanterpool – October 12, 1949 to August 2, 2026
Charlene “Ifea” Lolita Vanterpool passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, New York City, following her battle with cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of creativity, curiosity, laughter, and love for the many people whose lives she touched.
Ifea grew up in a loving home in Queens, New York, with her father, Ernesto T. Vanterpool, deceased, her mother, Esther C. Vanterpool, deceased, and her two siblings, Ernestine E. Vanterpool, deceased, and Ernesto C. Vanterpool. She was a fun-loving, good-humored person who enjoyed life and had a wonderful capacity for laughter. She loved to sing and dance, and music was an important part of her life. She especially enjoyed listening to oldies and R&B and had a beautiful singing voice. She also possessed an amazing recall for song lyrics—often remembering words and details that others had long forgotten.
Ifea was a lifelong learner and an avid reader. She was particularly fascinated by African history and culture and had an extraordinary memory for facts and details across many different subjects. Her curiosity led her to travel to Africa on several occasions, experiences that deepened her appreciation for its history, people, and cultures.
Her creativity found a natural home in the world of fashion and design. Ifea attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. She worked for many years in New York City’s Garment District as a designer and seamstress. Her talents extended beyond clothing; she also designed and made earrings, necklaces, and other accessories. Creating beautiful things was not simply a profession for Ifea—it was one of the ways she expressed herself and showed her love for others.
Ifea also had a generous spirit and enjoyed sharing her creativity and skills with people of all ages. She taught arts and crafts to senior citizens at a community center and later brought those same talents to children through after-school and summer programs in the Bronx.
Ifea grew up in a loving home in Queens, New York, with her father, Ernesto T. Vanterpool, deceased, her mother, Esther C. Vanterpool, deceased, and her two siblings, Ernestine E. Vanterpool, deceased, and Ernesto C. Vanterpool. She was a fun-loving, good-humored person who enjoyed life and had a wonderful capacity for laughter. She loved to sing and dance, and music was an important part of her life. She especially enjoyed listening to oldies and R&B and had a beautiful singing voice. She also possessed an amazing recall for song lyrics—often remembering words and details that others had long forgotten.
Ifea was a lifelong learner and an avid reader. She was particularly fascinated by African history and culture and had an extraordinary memory for facts and details across many different subjects. Her curiosity led her to travel to Africa on several occasions, experiences that deepened her appreciation for its history, people, and cultures.
Her creativity found a natural home in the world of fashion and design. Ifea attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. She worked for many years in New York City’s Garment District as a designer and seamstress. Her talents extended beyond clothing; she also designed and made earrings, necklaces, and other accessories. Creating beautiful things was not simply a profession for Ifea—it was one of the ways she expressed herself and showed her love for others.
Ifea also had a generous spirit and enjoyed sharing her creativity and skills with people of all ages. She taught arts and crafts to senior citizens at a community center and later brought those same talents to children through after-school and summer programs in the Bronx.
May her memory forever be a blessing and may she rest in eternal peace
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