Martha Jane Beebe Harnack

Holding her husband's hand and surrounded by family, Martha Jane Beebe Harnack died in the Bloomington Hospital on Saturday (July 3, 2010) - just nine days shy of her 86th birthday.
Born in South Bend, Ind., on July 12, 1924, to James Hugh Beebe and Charlotte Evadne Scott Beebe, Martha became a talented pianist and organist. She, as keyboardist, teamed with her husband, as conductor, to lead church and community choruses in Cedar Falls, Iowa; Zion, Ill.; Boulder, Colo.; and Palatine, Ill.
She worked at several universities and churches as secretary and office manager. She cared deeply about people suffering poverty, illness, loss of loved ones or discrimination.
She was a member of the Caring Ministries program of the First United Methodist Church of Bloomington. Dozens of people owe their spiritual healing and renewal to her compassionate touch, words and actions. And, of course, she was a most loving mother of two wonderful sons.
Martha is survived by her husband of 62 years, Victor Harnack; two sons, Douglas Harnack of Marietta, Ga., and Harold (Hal) Harnack and his wife, Gaylee, of Cary, Ill.; two granddaughters, Alexandra Harnack and Lindsey Harnack, both of Marietta, Ga.; two sisters, Rowena Hoover of Pella, Iowa, and Florence Anderson of Tyler, Texas; and one brother, John Beebe, of Hiawasee, Ga.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her nephew, Paul Hoover; and her niece, Carolyn Hoover.
A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 12, in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, Bloomington, Ind. The service will be followed by a reception in the Gathering Place.
The family requests no gifts or flowers. Those wishing to make contributions in Martha's name may select any charity. We would be pleased if you chose to contribute to the "Joy and Bob Harnack Memorial Music Award" at the University of Illinois at Chicago. If that is your choice, make the check out to the UIC Foundation. The check and covering letter should be mailed to: James Feeney, Director of Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1309 S. Halsted St., Suite 231, Chicago, IL 60607-5003. The letter should indicate the award intended and that it is in Martha's name.
Allen Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www.allenfuneralhome.org.