Mary Jane (Postlethwaite) Morgan (nee Pettit), 88, was called home to the Lord on Nov. 30, 2022, in peace and serenity after a life well-lived. Her dear daughter Sara was with her as she slipped away. The family wishes to thank the staff of Sunrise of McCandless for the unmatched care, hugs and kisses they provided for our mom for the last seven years, as well as the Hospice team from Allegheny General. Words cannot express the loving kindness of the team and the attention to detail they provided.
Mary Jane was the loving mother of Gerald Postlethwaite Jr., Dr. Sara Postlethwaite (Richard Winebold) and Bethany Connors. She was also the treasured grandmother of Daniel Postlethwaite, Eric Postlethwaite (Melissa), Riis Ray (Emma), Selene De Los Santos (Randy) and Bayley Connors (Bryan). Surviving are grandchildren, nieces and nephews and stepchildren and step-grandchildren too numerous to list.
Mary Jane was twice widowed. Her beloved husbands were the late Dr David Zaquill Morgan and the late Gerald Lee Postlethwaite Sr.
Mary Jane was born in Cameron, the daughter of the late Roy O. Pettit and Dorothy Pettit. She was preceded in death by her sister, Margie, and brothers, Carl and Robert. She is survived by a brother, Thomas (Lila) and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was married to Gerald L. Postlethwaite in 1951, and they enjoyed over 30 years of marriage, living and loving in Cameron (Marshal County), McMechan, Carmichaels Pa. and Connellsville Pa. During these years, she raised three children, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from California University and also several master’s degrees, most recently in psychology. She was the sole caregiver to Gerald during the last years of his life. In addition to raising a family, Mary Jane taught fifth graders at the Crawford Elementary School in Connellsville for many years before moving to Southside Elementary school, where she taught different grade levels as the need arose. Mary Jane was also very active in the First Christian Church of Connellsville in the choir and as elder, deacon and board member.
After the sad passing of her first husband, Mary Jane took a position as school psychologist for the Morgantown Area School District, where she served until her retirement. Eventually, a dear friend introduced her to Dr. David Z. Morgan, who had recently become a widower. They were married soon after, and Mary Jane was lovingly adopted into the Morgan family.
Children of David Z. Morgan are Dr. David M. Morgan (Dr. Claudia Goodwin Morgan) and Dr. Susan K. Morgan (Richard C. Brooks). Mary Jane was Grandma to Dr. Lauren Whitney Morgan Swager (Charles M. Swager) and Dr Evan Z. Morgan (Rebekah L. Aranda) and Great-Grandma to William H. Swager.
For 17 years, Mary Jane enjoyed a wonderful life with David, working, travelling and volunteering with Morgantown Meals on Wheels by delivering meals and serving on the board.
Family and friends will be received at the Big Run Christian Church 7194 Dragon Hwy (State Route 250), Cameron, WV 26033 from 11 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Dec. 10. A celebration of a life well-lived will be held at noon with the Rev. Thaddeus Allen officiating. Family and friends are invited for a repast at the church immediately following the service of life. Local arrangements are being handled by Anderson Funeral Homes, Cameron.
