Hannelore Steinmeyer

Hannelore “Hanne” Steinmeyer, 88 of Vernon, VT passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at Vernon Green Nursing Home. Born Johanna Elenora Katharina Heckel, a native of Fuerth, Germany, a suburb of Nuremberg on July 31, 1926.

She and her family survived World War II and at the conclusion she studied English and French at the University and completed Interpreters School. She taught German at the American Independent School where she met her beloved husband Georg through a mutual friend.

In 1955 she and Georg immigrated to Brattleboro Vermont where Georg had taken a position as Director of Pipe Organs at the Estey Organ Company. In 1961 she began teaching at Brattleboro Junior/Senior High School, first as a French teacher and later she introduced German to the school. She was instrumental in coordinating an exchange program with a German high school. She enjoyed her involvement with the Brattleboro Music Center for over 50 years, including singing in the chorus. In retirement she was a volunteer at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and in the library at the School for International Training.

She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, optimism, determination, her letters to the Editor at the Brattleboro Reformer, her love for swimming, nature, classical music, poetry, dark chocolate and red wine, but most importantly for the love she had for her husband Georg.

She is predeceased by a daughter, Charlotte Steinmeyer in 1971.

She leaves behind her husband of 61 years, Georg Steinmeyer of Vernon; a daughter, Elisabeth Luke and her husband John of Shorewood, MN, and three grandsons, Tanner, Keaton and Justin.

A Funeral Service was celebrated on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave, Brattleboro, VT 05301. The burial will be private. The KER-WESTERLUND Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brattleboro Music Center, 38 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT 05301.