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North Salem Remembers 50-Year Resident Jean Morgan

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. – Scores of friends, associates and admirers gathered at St. James Episcopal Church on Saturday in a “Celebration of the Life of Jean Morgan,” (1937-2011). 

The Reverend Lucia Ballantine led the service. Readings and prayers were delivered by Doug Morgan, Kate Biscoe, Pam Pooley, Tom Faxon and Josh Leicht. The Saint James Choir, of which Morgan had been an active member, provided choral music, with Mike Mulder at the organ.

After the service, the crowd milled about outside in the lovely autumn weather, talking about a life well lived. She was a much admired mainstay in the town of 5,000 residents. Most people either knew her or knew of her. Her civic influence and community works were far reaching.

Linda Farina said, “Jean was a friend for almost 40 years. She was constant, reliable and inspiring, the ultimate resource, and a good laugh.”

Susan Koch said, “Jean was dynamic. She was an institution around here.”

Diane Damerau first met Jean when they both moved to North Salem almost 50 years ago. Diane, Jean and Anne Hulme shared birthdays in the same week, so they always got together to celebrate. “Jean remembered everything,” Damerau said. “She was the kind of person who is totally interested in people.”

In addition to her church and other community activities, Morgan was deeply involved with the North Salem Library and was president when it moved from the town hall into its spanking new building. 

Roe Intrieri wrote on The Daily North Salem’s Facebook page, “Jean, you are missed already. A cornerstone of our community and just the nicest lady.”

Jean Morgan habitually fed about eight feral cats, explained her neighbor, Lois Lipman. “Those cats need a different barn to go to now. Do you know anyone who could take them in?”

In lieu of providing an outdoor home for the orphaned cats, contributions in memory of Jean Morgan can be made to the St. James Discretionary Fund, St. James Episcopal Church, Titicus Road, North Salem.

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