Named after their dad, the Hart twins – Charlene and Charlotte – attended Bridgeport High School in the mid-1970s. Their names were similar, but their appearances were nearly identical. They spent a lot of time together, too, including activities relating to their membership in the drama club and Y-Teens, a girls’ club sponsored by the YWCA. Charlene also ran track. Charlotte served as library assistant. 

 

Charlene said she’s always enjoyed being a twin.

 

“You always have a best friend – and you are never lonely,” she said.

 

After graduating from BHS in 1976, the Hart girls continued to be together. Both attended Fairmont State College; Charlene to study education and Charlotte choosing a major in the medical studies. Both worked in the medical field following their 1980 college graduations.

Charlotte continues to work in the medical field. For 38 years, she was employed by Fairmont General Hospital, but she recently took a position in Mon General Hospital’s echocardiogram department. 

 

In 2001, Charlene moved to Mt. Pleasant, SC. with her husband Alan Heller - who she met in a medical office where she worked - and subsequently married in 1992. The Hellers would become a family of five. Alan came into the marriage with two sons, Jon and Michael, and together they had Kayla, currently living in Tampa, Fla. where she is in graduate school.

 

Charlene is presently babysitting, which she said is perfect for this time in her life. She and Alan have four grandchildren: three granddaughters and one grandson.

 

She said Bridgeport, where her family moved when she and Charlotte were in the fifth grade, was the ideal place to grow up and she credits BHS teachers for the impact they had on her education and life.

 

Though the Hart twins live hundreds of miles apart and their lives have taken different paths, they remain close and spend time together when possible. 

 

The daughters of Charles and Kathleen Hart, the twins have an older sister, Brenda, and younger sister, Denise.