Mrs. Margaret M. "Maggie" (Martin) Morelle Ripley

Mrs. Margaret M. “Maggie” (Martin) Morelle Ripley, age 91, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2014 in the comfort of her home with her family by her side. Born in Oswegatchie, NY on March 14, 1923, Margaret was the daughter of the late Elmer and Celima (LaRose) Martin. Raised and educated in Star Lake, NY, she continued her education at Potsdam University. On March 22, 1946 she wed Frank Morelle; to that union came the blessings of her cherished children; he passed away on July 15, 1986. February 14, 1989 marked the blessing of a second marriage to Watson Ripley; they made each other very happy and enjoyed the golden years until his passing in 1992. Maggie was a valued employee at the Bank of Utica for 17 years. She relocated to Florida in 1980 where she continued to work in the banking industry and also knew the creativity of being a cook at a Florida country club. A strong, hardworking, resilient woman, Maggie always overcame life’s adversities to care for her loved ones. Her family was the center of her life and the heart of her happiness and she was known for her unconditional love. She enjoyed playing golf, reading, crossword puzzles, and cards. Maggie is survived by her children and their families, Elizabeth Eaton, Frank Morelle, Joseph and Antoinette Morelle, Bill Morelle, Carol Hoffman Reese and her husband Dwight, David and Carol Morelle, Mary Hancher and her fiancé Jeff Ritchie; and her daughter-in-law, Judy Morelle. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, John Morelle, who passed away in 1973. She will also be remembered by her fourteen grandchildren; her sixteen great grandchildren; her three great great grandchildren and anticipating a fourth in August; her sisters and brother-in-law, Rosemarie and Bob Maxwell, and Pat Woods; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. She was preceded by her brothers, Bill, Richard, Ted, Felix, Elmer, Donald, William, and infant brother John Martin; her sisters, Ora, Betty, and Jean. The family wishes to thank Karen Cleary, Physician Assistant, for her longtime and endearing care. A special note of thanks to Michelle from Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. for her loving devotion; Father Mark Kaminski for his prayers and visit; the “card group” at Steinhorst who enhanced her life along with her dear friend, Jodi Guarnieri, to whom Maggie was like a mother. Maggie’s family celebrated her life in a private gathering. Due to renovations in progress at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will be held on Monday at noon at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Arthur Krawczenko. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Margaret M. "Maggie" (Martin) Morelle Ripley

March 14, 1923 - June 5, 2014