Jeannette Bartelt, 77, of Frederick, MD, passed away on November 14, 2024, after a period of declining health. Born on December 24, 1946, in San Francisco, she was the cherished daughter of the late Frederick and Mildred. Jeannette spent much of her childhood in Germantown, PA, growing up in a historic home on the Wyck Estate.

Jeannette was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be remembered for her passion for justice, her creative spirit, and the love she shared with those around her.

A Life of Advocacy and Civic Engagement

Jeannette dedicated her life to improving the lives of others through tireless advocacy and community involvement. She was a staunch supporter of affordable housing, especially for seniors, championing the development of tiny house communities as a practical and compassionate solution. She worked closely with local organizations to bring attention to these challenges and proposed creative solutions to improve the quality of life for others.

Her passion for social and environmental justice led her to become a leader in local initiatives. As an organizer and advocate, Jeannette inspired people to come together in solidarity for equity and inclusion. She also played an active role in climate action rallies and healthcare advocacy, firmly believing in the power of grassroots efforts to create meaningful change.

Her civic engagement extended to running for alderwoman in Frederick, where she campaigned for housing reform, programs for youth and seniors, and the preservation of Frederick’s historic character. Jeannette’s work as founder of Green Earth Goods, LLC exemplified her innovative spirit, empowering local seamstresses while promoting sustainability and reducing waste. A professional seamstress for much of her life, she drew upon decades of experience—and inspiration from her mother, a celebrated quilter—to teach others to sew and upcycle materials into practical items.

A Creative and Independent Spirit

Jeannette believed in forging her own path and living by her values. She attended nursing school in Nebraska before ultimately earning her music teaching degree from Shepherd College. Jeannette’s love of music endured throughout her life; she adored singing and brought joy to her family and friends by calling to sing them “Happy Birthday” on their special days.

Inspired by her mother’s talent and resourcefulness, Jeannette was also an avid baker, known for her famous cheesecakes, which she sold to local restaurants. Whether through her sewing, baking, or singing, Jeannette shared her gifts generously, leaving a legacy of warmth and creativity.

Her love for creative expression extended to poetry, which she found comfort in writing throughout her life. Jeannette's poems often reflected her belief that each person plays an essential role in shaping a better world, as expressed in her words: "A new day is dawning, brought on by love... We each play a part; which part shall you choose?" Her family plans to publish a booklet of her poetry in her honor—details on how to receive a copy will be forthcoming.

Her independence extended to her personal life, where she approached each challenge with courage and authenticity. Even in the face of hardships, her resilience and strength inspired those who knew her.

A Beloved Family Member and Friend

Jeannette is survived by her sons Andrew, Michael, and Ian; her grandchildren Jenica, Umi, Wamuna, Amane, Leo, and Ary; and her great-grandchildren Kai and Johanna. She was predeceased by her eldest son, John, in 2020, a loss that weighed heavily on her, and her brother David. Her surviving siblings Kate, Liz, Margie, Fred, Robert, and Matthew, along with her many friends, remember her for her generosity, her determination, and the way she championed those she loved.

Celebrating Her Legacy

Details about a memorial service to honor Jeannette’s life will be shared at a later date.

Jeannette’s legacy is one of advocacy, creativity, and compassion. Her dedication to her family, her community, and the causes she cared about will remain a source of inspiration to all who knew her.