Christina Julia Franke

Christina Julia Franke died Monday July 10, 2000 at the Spa Creek Nursing Home in Annapolis, MD. She was 97. Born December 11, 1902 in northeast Baltimore, she attended public schools there. While a pupil in school #37 she was one of the 6,500 Baltimore school children who formed the 90’ x 144’ human American Flag in the Star Spangled Banner Centennial Celebration at Fort McHenry, Sept. 12, 1914. Following a business course at Strayer’s Business College she was employed as Stenographer in the Credit & Accounting Dept. of the American Oil Co. until her marriage to Stephen Bernnard Franke June 5, 1924. They resided in Catonsville where son, William, was born August 14, 1928. During World War II she was employed in the Vocational War Production Training, State Dept. of Education office. After this program was discontinued she was transferred to the State Dept. of Health Bureau of Medical Services under Dr. Dean Roberts. In 1950 when her husband was employed by the CIA in Washington, D.C. the family moved to Landover, MD., then upon her husband’s retirement they moved to Kent Island Estates Stevensville, MD in 1963. In 1972 she was employed as secretary to the Board of Directors of the Kent Island Estates Road Construction & Maintenance Assoc., Inc. and maintained the office in her home. She retired in 1978. Mrs. Franke was active in Church work, having served as organist in several churches, including ten years as Volunteer Organist in Landover Christian Church and one year as Church Secretary; three years as Organist and one year as Secretary of the Sunday School in Galilee Lutheran Church when it was located in the Stevensville Shopping Center, and organized the Youth Choir there. She is survived by her one son, William B. Franke of Mt. Airy, MD; one sister, Alice M. Grau of Columbia, MD; and two brothers, John W. Getterman of Baltimore, MD, Leonard A. Getterman of Lakeland, FL. Christina was predeceased by her husband, Stephen B. Frnake; a sister, Lenore I. Schmidt; and one step-brother, William E. Getterman. Funeral Services will be held 11AM on Friday July 14, 2000 at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A. in Chester, MD. Where family and friends may call one hour before and on Thursday July 13, 2000 from 3PM to 5PM and 7Pm to 9PM at the Funeral Home. Interment will be in V.F.W. Cemetery in Hurlock, MD.