A Legacy of Dedication and Heart
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend and Midland Theater Foundation board member, Annette Harbaugh, who left us on December 6, 2024. Annette’s impact on the Midland Theater and our community was profound, and her loss leaves a void that will not easily be filled.
Annette and her husband, Darrel, have been tireless supporters and selfless volunteers for the Midland Theater Foundation for many years. Darrel joined our board in 2016, and after Annette’s retirement, she became a steadfast presence at board meetings, events, and every project alongside him. In 2023, when Annette officially requested to join the board, it was a unanimous and heartfelt "yes." We let her know she had always been one of us, and making it official only solidified what we already knew: Annette was a vital part of our mission to restore, revitalize, and reopen the Midland Theater.
Annette and Darrel were a team in every sense of the word. It became a running joke among the board that you couldn’t talk to one without the other being part of the conversation. Whether you called Darrel or Annette, the phone was always on speaker, and both were ready to listen, share ideas, or dive into the next project. “Hey Darrel, hi Annette” became the unofficial greeting for anyone reaching out to them. In truth, it was the best kind of partnership—the perfect balance of teamwork, creativity, and determination. And let’s be honest, half the time when someone called Darrel, they really wanted to talk to Annette too!
Her contributions were countless, but her passion for our shared mission was unmatched. Annette was a driving force behind many of our initiatives, perhaps most notably the restoration of the beloved "Pink Santa." She rallied community volunteers to repair the motor, repaint the face, and revitalize the suit of this iconic holiday figure. Though Annette wasn’t able to see the Pink Santa in person at the Midland, she experienced its triumphant return through videos and photos shared with her in the hospital. She especially loved watching the Midland’s youngest volunteers, the three Scheck children, as they marveled at Pink Santa with smiles, awe, and wonder. That moment brought her great joy and a deep sense of accomplishment.
Annette’s creativity and spark were evident in every project she touched. From stringing popcorn and decorating the Brown Mansion’s tree with marquee lightbulbs to meticulously planning table linens and decorations for receptions and fundraisers, her vision elevated every event. Her advice and ideas were treasures that will be sorely missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire us. We’ll find ourselves asking often, “What would Annette do?”
Annette’s background in theater gave her a unique ability to connect with the heart of the Midland’s mission. She spent many years sharing her voice, talent, and love of the stage with our community, creating memories and inspiring others to embrace the arts. One of her most cherished contributions came through her involvement in Vaude in the 'Ville, our variety show fundraiser. Annette not only helped cast the most recent performance but also graced the stage as the final act. Alongside Pete Walterscheid, she sang and performed a Carol Burnett skit that left the audience in laughter and awe. The closing lyrics, sung by Annette, now resonate with profound meaning as we say goodbye:
"I’m so glad we’ve had this time together... Just to have a laugh or sing a song, Seems we just get started and before you know it, Comes the time we have to say, so long."
Reflecting on Annette’s passing, our President Lisa Scheck shared, “Stepping inside the Midland for the first time, knowing we would no longer see Annette, was harder than I imagined. Her voice, her laugh, her spirit, her tenacity—she was a force in the best ways possible. I will continue to think about how Annette would handle a situation.”
Annette was more than a board member—she was a friend, a creative force, and a guiding light. Her legacy lives on in the projects she championed, the community she loved, and the memories she gifted us.
Rest in peace, Annette. We will carry your light, laughter, and lessons with us always.
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