September 8 2016: LANTZ, Jeanne Henderer

JEANNE HENDERER LANTZ

Jeanne Henderer Lantz, 86, died Friday Sept. 2, 2016 in the ICU of Holy Cross Hospital, surrounded by her closest loved ones. She will be missed by her husband Elmer Lee Lantz; daughter Deborah Lee Baugher and her husband Robert L. Baugher, Jr. and her grandchildren, Robert L. “Trey” Baugher, III and Lisa Lehman and her husband Shawn Mitchell; and many friends, relatives and neighbors.

Born June 26, 1930 and raised in DC, she was the only child of Edmond and Marguerite Henderer. She spent her early years in the Girl Scouts at the Tacoma Park Presbyterian Church, where she met her life-long friend Phyllis Livingston. As she grew up, she developed affections for crafting and all things mice, and what would become quite a talent for sewing in all its forms. Friends and relatives have likely enjoyed at least one of her creations over the years: knitted blankets, all kinds of clothing and doll clothing; Halloween costumes; cross-stitched designs on pillows, towels, clothes or hangings; painted plates; unique beaded jewelry and trees; as well as homemade candy, cakes and “Cathedral Windows.”

She graduated Coolidge High School in 1948 and embarked on a long and rewarding career in nursing. Her knowledge and expertise were a welcome addition to various ORs, hospitals and doctor’s offices along her path. She retired in 1996 from a successful stretch with Dr. Goldberg in Kensington, MD, leaving many friends with whom she maintained contact throughout the coming years.

Shortly after she graduated high school, she met her life’s love, Elmer Lantz, at a dancing class in Chevy Chase, MD. After about a year of courting they were married Feb 22, 1958 and enjoyed 58 exciting years together before her passing.

Jeanne frequently volunteered at the National Capitol Trolley Museum, helping maintain the beautiful gardens and becoming one of the first female operators qualified for revenue service. In between work and more extensively after retirement, Jeanne and Elmer enjoyed many vacations traveling the U.S. They experienced and photographed the national parks, quirky landmarks and all the interesting people they could on the way.

Later in life, Jeanne spent as much time as possible with her two grandchildren, and stayed active and social with distant family, friends and neighbors. At home she always kept a Dachsund and, at times, two or more pet mice.  Her many hobbies and collections kept her sharp and entertained in her twilight years. She served on committees and attended Northwood Presbyterian Church every Sunday until she succumbed to a heart attack due to complications of pneumonia in late August.

She will be remembered at a service in her honor Saturday September 17th at 11AM at Northwood Presbyterian Church, with private burial.