Obituary
Jane Elizabeth Morton Foster, my dear mother went to Heaven on Tuesday August 13, 2019.
She was born on May 12, 1930 in New Eagle Pennsylvania to Joseph and Mary Fitch Morton. Sadly, her father passed away when she was two years old. She grew up in the neighboring town of Monongahela and as a child of the Depression, lived with her mother, brother, aunt and grandparents. She had many stories of growing up and one of her favorites to tell was as a little girl, she was almost kidnapped by a band of gypsies in front of her grandfather’s grocery store. As a teenager, she was the town’s tennis champion and as a high schooler, she and eleven of her girl friends formed a group and called themselves “The Sharks”. They were loyal friends to each other and remained in touch over the years.
My mom graduated from Penn State University in 1952. While in college she met my father and they married in 1953. They moved to Dayton, Ohio for his job and that is where I was born. In 1959 they moved to Orlando so he could work for Martin Marietta. That same year, she entered a drawing at Publix Supermarket on Michigan street and won a Chevrolet Biscayne painted in the store colors of green and white.
While living in her home of 53 years near Lake Jennie Jewel, she made many close and lasting friendships with her neighbors. She loved to play bridge and was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Orlando.
After my parent’s divorce, my grandmother came to live with us until her passing in 1976. My mom was the chauffer for my grandmother and me for many years until she taught me how to drive.
She went to work for the State of Florida in 1980 as a social worker and retired after fifteen years. During that time, she became a volunteer usher at Bob Carr Auditorium and after her retirement eventually became the person in charge of scheduling the volunteers for performances of the Philharmonic, Opera, Ballet and Broadway shows.
My mom and I were very fortunate to be able to take several trips together after her retirement Including tours of Europe, Canada and here in the United States.
She was thrilled when I met and married my husband Craig in 2002. And instead of loosing her travel partner, she gained one. My mom and I got to go back to some of our favorite places in the world and share them with Craig and the three of us got to explore countries and cities that we had not been to before. She loved traveling and her suitcase was always ready.
My mom will be deeply missed by me, her daughter Laura and her son-in-law Craig who she often referred to as her son. She was predeceased by her parents and her wonderful brother Bill with whom she shared a close bond.
A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2019 beginning at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church of Orlando. My mom wore bright colors so please feel free to do so.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First United Methodist Church of Orlando, 142 E. Jackson Street Orlando, FL 32801, First United Methodist Church of Monongahela, 430 W. Main Street Monongahela, PA 15063 or Cornerstone Hospice 5655 S. Orange Avenue, Edgewood, FL 32809
moved very close to my house we did so many things
together including walking to & from school each day.
I could go on & on about our friendship. I loved her
& although I didn't see her very often, we talked on the
phone to "catch up." I will miss her so much, but I'll
always have the memories of our friendship.