Obituary of Cecelia Virginia Morgan

In Fond Remembrance of Cecelia Virginia Morgan

December 30, 1924 - August 5, 2023

Cecelia Virginia Morgan, a cherished matriarch whose heart overflowed with love, peacefully departed this world on August 5, 2023, enveloped by the embrace of her devoted family. Born on December 30, 1924, at St. Mary's Hospital in Orange, New Jersey, Cecelia's life journey was an embodiment of enduring affection, unyielding resilience, and an abiding commitment to her kin.

Hailing from Montclair, Cecelia was born of Elise Consuela Elmo Howes and radiated a rare warmth and empathy from her earliest years. At the age of 13, her path led her to a Catholic institution in Peekskill, New York, where she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and received invaluable training as a skilled seamstress, a craft she would carry with her throughout her life. Her early years were marked by a thirst for knowledge and a dedication to mastering the art of creating garments that would later serve as a reflection of her meticulous attention to detail and creativity.

Cecelia's upbringing was anchored at 129 Claremont Avenue in Montclair, a place that would forever hold the echoes of her childhood laughter and dreams. She attended the Grove Street School in Montclair, New Jersey, where her curiosity and zest for learning flourished.

A true Montclair resident, Cecelia's life traversed the town's tapestry. She resided for many years on William Street, where she became a beloved member of "the Hollow" community. She also made a cherished home on Union Street, and later, she found comfort and contentment at South End Gardens, particularly in Apartment 103 at 340 Orange Road, where she resided from 1988 until her peaceful passing. Cecelia one of the building’s original tenants and beloved by many of her neighbors over the years.

In 1946, she embarked upon a lifelong journey of love and companionship when she exchanged vows with her beloved husband, John Logan Morgan. Their union wove a tapestry of shared dreams and profound love, which would later be intertwined with the beautiful story of their seven remarkable children: Joan, Janet, Michelle, Juanita, John, David, and Mary Joy.

Cecelia's role as a devoted mother was equally matched by her embodiment of inspiration and guidance. She inculcated within her children the values of empathy, perseverance, and the importance of familial ties. A beacon of compassion, her grandmotherly love extended to embrace her nine treasured grandchildren: Paul, Wayne, Reynard, Hassan, Jamar, Carlton, Kirsten, Michael, and Scott. In their young hearts, she left an indelible impression. Cecelia’s legacy extends through generations, including cherished great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren. Her profound love and influence will continue to touch the lives of her expanding family, a testament to the enduring impact of her remarkable journey.

Throughout her life, Cecelia's industrious spirit led her to various meaningful endeavors. She worked at RCA, Gardo's, and Grand's, where her dedication and work ethic left a lasting mark. As a crossing guard, she embraced the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the community's children, embodying her nurturing and protective nature. Her commitment was unwavering, and she poured her heart into her role at the Annin Flag Company for over 20 years, contributing her dedication to the company's legacy.

Her involvement in St. Peter Claver Church showcased her altruism and compassion, resonating within the lives of those fortunate to have encountered her. As a longtime member of the Montclair YMCA, she formed enduring bonds and contributed to the community's wellbeing. Notably, her travels with the YMCA to Switzerland in the 1970s became a cherished memory, a testament to her adventurous spirit and openness to new experiences.

Among her many passions, Cecelia found joy in spending time with her family, particularly baking with her grandchildren, creating cherished memories in the kitchen. She found solace in the gentle rhythm of swimming, the graceful art of belly dancing, and the transformative power of reading. Each hobby added a vibrant thread to the tapestry of her life, reflecting her boundless curiosity and zest for experiencing the world.

Cecelia Virginia Morgan's departure creates a void that can never be wholly filled, but her legacy of love, unwavering strength, and unwavering commitment will forever illuminate the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of her acquaintance. Her enduring influence shall be carried forward by her beloved dear friends, and the wider circle touched by her benevolence.

Preceding her in death, her children John in 2011, Janet in 2013, Juanita in 2021, and Mary Joy in 2022 as well as her grandson Reynard in 2012. As we assemble to celebrate and honor her life, let us venerate Cecelia's memory by emulating her love, empathy, and grace. May she repose in perpetual serenity, her memory eternally enshrined, and her spirit forever alive in the hearts of all she touched.