Charlette A. Crofoot, 43, of Bradenton, formerly of Tampa, died June 6, 2013 at home. Charlette was born November 19, 1969 in Barnstable, Mass., to Leonard and Vernet (King) Mallard. After the family relocated to Florida, she graduated in 1987 from Providence Christian School in Riverview. She graduated from the University of Florida, Gainesville in 1994 with a degree in Animal Science and continued her studies at the University of South Florida, Tampa, for a second B.S. in Secondary Education. She taught at Bayshore High School in Bradenton for four years, during which she nurtured the love of science in her students and taught them to remember to "Push the Limit" and always strive to reach beyond what they thought could be their "personal best". Her investment in "her kids", as she called her students, was the most important aspect of her career, and she wanted her kids to know that when it came to her, they were always a person, "and never a number". She saw potential for success in every student who sat in her classroom. When doctors diagnosed her with cancer in 2002, Charlette took on the fight the way she took on life: By demonstrating incredible willpower and inner strength, and combining those qualities with her immense respect for science, which led her to pursue cutting-edge treatments at Moffitt Cancer Center. The approach ultimately led oncologists to make new projections on her life expectancy as she continued to defy odds for more than 10 years. When illness forced her retirement, she focused on creating positive memories with her husband and son, and enjoying trips across the nation, taking long-distance bike rides, caring for animals in need, gardening and quilting, and infusing each day with her dry wit, all the while supported by her faith, family and an extensive circle of friendships. She is survived by her loving husband of 17 years, David Crofoot, and one wonderful son, Matthew. She is also survived by her mother, Vernet Mallard of Riverview, FL and four siblings: a sister, Diane Schommer and brother, Leonard Mallard both of Tampa; Michael Mallard of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Kenny Mallard of Lowell, Mass. She was predeceased by her father in 2005.A celebration of Charlette' s life will be held at 2 p.m., June 10, 2013,at Christ Presbyterian Church, 515 Upper Manatee River Road, Bradenton. Charlette requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, 12902 Magnolia Dr., UTC-FOUND, Tampa, FL 33612. Please specify "Neuro-Oncology Group" or "Moffitt GBM Research".