Jeaneen Brady Wingate

Celebrating a Life of Quiet Strength, Devotion, and Grace

Jeaneen Brady Wingate, former founding librarian of Calvert School and lifelong Stoneleigh resident, died at the age of 95 of natural causes at her home, surrounded by family.

Born on May 31, 1930, in Baltimore, she attended Eastern High School and graduated from Goucher College. She later earned a master’s degree in Library Science from Towson University. In the summer of 1951, shortly after college, she married her hometown sweetheart, Elmer H. Wingate Jr., with whom she shared 64 years of marriage until his death in 2016. Fittingly, she passed away on his birthday — closing their shared story with symmetry and grace.

Jeaneen spent sixty-seven years in the Stoneleigh community she cherished, where she and Elmer raised their three sons and built a home filled with laughter and lifelong friendships. A proud Goucher graduate, she found her calling in books and children. She began her career in the library at Stoneleigh School before becoming Calvert School’s first librarian, where she built its library collection from the ground up and served for 27 years. In recognition of her dedication, she received the Deborah Dorsey Albert ’44 Award for outstanding contribution to the life and mission of Calvert School. She once wrote, “I can’t remember a day that I didn’t want to come to work.”

Her joy in helping young readers discover new worlds was matched by her lifelong commitment to service. Jeaneen volunteered at Barclay Elementary/Middle School, helping build its library when the school lacked books, and at GBMC Hospital, greeting patients and families with her characteristic warmth and steady kindness. She was also a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church, where she served on the Altar Guild for many years.

She treasured her many friendships — from her beloved Bridge Club in her early Stoneleigh years to the neighbors who surrounded her with kindness and support throughout her life. Above all, Jeaneen was devoted to her family. She never missed her sons’ games, welcomed their friends as her own, and filled her home with laughter, loyalty, and encouragement. She cherished the long-running Brady family reunions, which remained a source of deep pride, connection, and joy throughout her life.

Those who knew her often remarked on her character. As one close friend shared, “I never heard her say a bad word about any person or friend — and that is a rare commodity.” Her quiet grace, generosity of spirit, and ability to lift others without calling attention to herself defined the way she lived — and the way she will be remembered.

Jeaneen is survived by her three sons — Ken, Paul, and David — and by her seven grandchildren: Matthew, Jennifer, Slater, Julia, Paige, Brooke, and Parker.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 3 p.m., at Grace United Methodist Church, 5407 North Charles Street, Baltimore.

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