Jeanne C Hartge Obituary
Jeanne Carmichael Hartge, longing for rest after a rich and full life, died January 19, 2023 at Autumn Lake Healthcare in Crofton shortly after her 97th birthday. She had lived in her home in Galesville, Md for more than 75 years, 66 of them with her husband Bob Hartge who died in 2012—but a fall in November left her needing 24-hour care.
Born in Chicago on Jan 2, 1926, her family eventually moved to Milwaukee and it was there, on a train, that she met Bob by chance while he was attending Navy diesel school. After a short courtship he wondered aloud if she’d like to live with him on a boat; and this city girl—and Milwaukee Teacher’s College alum—agreed. They were married at Christ Church in West River on June 15, 1946 and later settled into their newly built home on Lerch Creek in Galesville where they imbued a love of life on the water—swimming, sailing, crabbing, etc.—in their children.
Jeanne loved music, singing in choirs and as a soloist. So, after starting out as a classroom teacher, she was happily recruited to music education. She took great pleasure in her work of 30 years and in retirement loved reminiscing with the many former students who crossed her path.
She and Bob did extensive volunteer work including mission trips to Russia, Ukraine, Haiti, Japan, Romania, S. Africa and the Philippines. Jeanne would enthuse over God’s love at the drop of a hat. She was an active church member and also sang with and directed Jubilate, a community choir performing in nursing homes.
Left to remember her with love are her children John/Jack (Suzi) of New Bern, NC, Robin/Robert Jr. (Ruthie) of Shady Side, and Sharon Solberg (Marv) of Edgewater; her grandchildren Christopher Baines (Azita Gholami) of Towson, Ashley Rhodes (Daniel) of Jacksonville, NC, and Erika Solberg (Chris Huntington) of Burtonsville; her great grandchildren Rachel, Robert and Reed Rhodes; and her step-grandchildren Abby Germain (Tim), Ruth Einstein, Matt Einstein (Brandy), Jessie Berlan (Sky), Megan Kelley (Kenny) and their children.
Visitation is at Christ Church in West River on Tuesday, January 24 from 6-8 pm and Wednesday 1-2 pm. A Funeral service will follow visitation on Wednesday, January 25 at Christ Church and a reception will follow. Burial is on Thursday, January 26 at 10 am at Quaker Burial Ground in Galesville.
A donation to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank 120 Marbury Dr Crownsville, Md 21032 would be an especially fitting tribute to Jeanne; she knew hunger as a child and thereafter always had a heart for those in need.
