Evelyn Marie Orndorff

Evelyn Marie (Sullivan) Orndorff, 98, of Frederick, died on March 28, 2024 at her residence in the Homewood at Frederick retirement community. She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Donald M. Sullivan, her husband of 15 years, Louis C. Orndorff, and her brother, Eugene L. Stup.

Born on May 16, 1925 outside Frederick, she was the daughter of Harry E. and Pearl Masser Stup. She was educated at Frederick High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Hood College in 1947. After seeing her children through their infancy and pre- school years, she then resumed a 25-year career teaching music in Frederick County, including stints at Brunswick High School, Middletown Jr.-Sr. High School, and Middletown High School before her retirement in 1986.

Despite her busy life outside the home, she always made her family a priority, and her children will always be grateful for the sacrifices she made to ensure a good life for them. Her many sayings (and admonitions!) are an important part of family lore to this day, and she remains a lifelong influence both on her children and the generations that have followed.

She will be remembered for many things, but her energy and passion for teaching and developing high school students was particularly impactful on so many who came in contact with her over the years. In addition to imparting an infectious love of singing and all things musical, she was a gentle but strong source of inspiration to her students, many of whom lovingly calling her “Mom.”

Besides her family and career, she was a devout Christian who gave of herself by directing church choirs at Parkway Community Church in Frederick and Christ Reformed UCC in Middletown. She also sang at the weddings of countless friends and students, seemingly always available to make someone else’s important occasion special.

After her retirement from the classroom, she continued to develop young minds by teaching piano in the Frederick area. She also spent her later years traveling and exploring the country and Europe with second husband Lou. Throughout her life, she had a special ability to light up any room she entered, continuing to charm her nurses at Homewood even in the days leading up to her death.

Mrs. Orndorff is survived by her three children, daughter Jennifer of Westminster, son Michael of Chevy Chase, and son Thomas and wife Karen of Middletown. Her grandchildren include Jeffrey Haines and wife Charity, Eric Haines and wife Laurie, Joshua Sullivan and wife Anna, Juli Sullivan, David Sullivan and wife Emily, and Krista Gugliuzza and husband Drew. In addition, she leaves ten great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 PM on Monday, April 8 at Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church St., Frederick. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, April 9 at the funeral home, with Dr. Howard L. Ruley officiating. Interment will follow at Rocky Springs Cemetery.

Condolences may be shared with the family at KeeneyBasford.com.