Sept. 5, 1941 — Sept. 21, 2024
Jean Louise Morgan was a guiding light to many and to those who knew her. Losing her was like losing the North Star.
Though she lived 83 wonderful years, she was so dynamic that it would have always felt too soon for her to pass on. Jean had a meaningful career, a fulfilling retirement, a strong marriage and a huge network of family and friends. Even though we have lost our guiding light, she left a legacy that lives on.
Our star was born into the Bjorlie family in Wadena, Minnesota, on Sept. 5, 1941. Jean grew up with a loving family of teachers. Her parents, Oscar and Marie, and eventually her sister Judy all taught music.
Jean met her match and married Michael “Mick” Morgan in 1960, and they had three children, Chris, Gail, and Julia. Jean lived in Ashland for many years and by the time she passed she was a wonderful grandmother to six grandchildren: Riley, Lauren, Austin, Alec, Bryce and Sawyer. She had one great-grandchild, named Marie.
Jean passed away Sept. 21, surrounded by family and friends.
She proved to be the brightest, most supportive, encouraging deeply loving person. She was well known for her work in special education and made valuable contributions as an elementary teacher in the Medford school district.
After her career as an educator, Jean was a professional grandmother. She was known to many as “Grammy” because, even after she retired, she volunteered with schools and community organizations, nurturing and cheering young people on. Jean believed in the power of women supporting women and was a fierce advocate for all vulnerable people.
Even though losing Jean is like losing the North Star, her memory won’t fade for a long, long time. The North Star Polaris is 450 light-years away, which means when this star goes out, as all stars eventually do, we here on Earth wouldn’t even know for almost 500 years. And even after that, the memory will live on in the minds of everyone who ever looked up into the night sky.
Jean will always be remembered as our radiant star. Her light might have gone out to those of us here on Earth, but it will live on forever in our minds, our hearts, and in our community. Join us in honoring Jean’s remarkable life. In lieu of sending flowers, consider donating to the Jean Morgan Memorial Fund (acctuganda.ejoinme.org/Jean), which will provide educational and medical resources to vulnerable children and their communities in Eastern Africa.
Additionally, there will be a service to celebrate her life at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at First Presbyterian Church in Ashland. Please wear bright colors.
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