Mrs. Jeanne T. Garman

Jeanne Tuttle Garman, 94 Pittsburgh, PA resident Jeanne Garman, passed away at home on Friday, October 30, 2015. She was born Jeanne Kathryn Tuttle July 3, 1921 to Charles E. Tuttle, Sr. and Hazel Furbee Tuttle in Parkersburg, WV, graduated in 1939 from Parkersburg High School, attended (James) Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA (where in 1941 visiting bandleader Glenn Miller proclaimed her one of the school’s most accomplished women), West Virginia Wesleyan, and Marietta College in Ohio where she graduated in 1943 with a degree in Fine Art. Following graduation and set on a career as a fashion illustrator, Jeanne relocated to a suburb of Chicago in 1945. After teaching art, and compelled to support two young children, she embarked on a rewarding career managing the Parkersburg Chamber of Commerce. An accomplished jazz pianist who preferred playing by ear, Jeanne had a pitch-perfect alto voice and met her future husband in the Parkersburg First Methodist Church choir during rehearsals for the performance of Handel’s Messiah. She married George G. Garman on March 3, 1962 and the couple enjoyed 53 years of partnership underpinned by a profound respect, and a mutual love of reading and music. Jeanne continued sketching and painting until recently. Cooking, knitting and reading were lifelong passions and her singular wit was enjoyed by those around her. About Mrs. Garman, the family noted, “Her style and compassion were an inspiration to her family and friends. She lived with intelligence, humor and honesty.” Her unique brand of faith provided strength and courage through the years. A favorite Hindu proverb became her own byword: “As flowing rivers disappear in the sea, losing their name and form, thus a wise man, freed from name and form, goes to the Divine Person who is beyond all.” Family members who grieve Jeanne’s passing are her husband George Garman of Bellevue, PA, daughters Amanda Wells Willard of Coraopolis, PA and Mariellen Garman Ramsdell and son-in-law Paul Ramsdell of Wexford, PA. The family suggests gestures of sympathy be made as charitable donations to The Boswell Stray & Wild Animal Fund, c/o VCA Fox Chapel Animal Hospital, 1152 Freeport Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15238.

Mrs. Jeanne T. Garman

July 3, 1921 - October 30, 2015