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Charlie Morgan Obituary
A spokesman for Gov. Maggie Hassan confirmed that Morgan, a chief warrant officer, died Sunday at a hospice in Dover.
Morgan, of New Durham, was a nationally recognized advocate in the effort to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. She was a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit in 2011 saying the act violated her constitutional rights.
Under the federal act, the Pentagon is required to ignore same-sex marriages, which are legal in six states and in Washington, D.C. Morgan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, was worried that her spouse and their daughter would be unable to receive military, Social Security and other benefits if she died.
"She deserves the same benefits as any other spouse," Morgan said i n 2011 at the first-ever national convention of gay military personnel on active duty. "She went through the same stress, fear and concern during my deployment as any other spouse," Morgan said.
Shortly before that, Morgan came out on national television on the day the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy was repealed.
In February 2012, she visited Capitol Hill to meet with the staff of Speaker of the House John Boehner to tell her story.
She said she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. She was declared cancer-free in 2010 and was deployed to Kuwait for one year. She returned home to her wife, Karen, and then-4-year-old daughter. But she also learned that the cancer had returned, and was incurable.
Last August, the Morgans traveled to Minneapolis to testify before Democratic Party's platform committee in support of the freedom to marry, following a video released by the groups OutServe-SLDN and Freedom to Marry detailing their story.
Morgan led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance at Hassan's inauguration on Jan. 3. Hassan said Morgan's fight for equality will outlive her fight against cancer.
"We can and should honor Charlie's legacy by continuing her fight to ensure that all families are treated equally by the State of New Hampshire and by the federal government," Hassan said.
New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said Morgan "epitomized courage in her military service, her fight for LGBT equality, and her battle with cancer. "
A service has been scheduled for Thursday at 3 p.m. at South Church in Portsmouth. Donations may be made to OutServe-SLDN.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
72 Entries
May 17, 2013
May the god of comfort be a source of strength for your family at this difficult time. 2Corn 1:3, 4. Deepest Sympathy, Sue, Concord, NC
How you can show support
SGT Steve Poligni (ret)
February 26, 2013
Thank you for all you done you were a great leader to me and soldier outreach personal and will never forget the outreach program you helped bring together and make possible to other soldiers god bless you and your family.
Susan Holbrook
February 22, 2013
I hope that your fight becomes a reality. God Bless your family and Thank you for your service.
Libby Anderson
February 17, 2013
All is well.... You live in our hearts, inspired our minds, called us to act.
Thank you for your courage.
Charlie Homan
February 17, 2013
Must we feel such grief for the loss of a true warrior. YES!!!
We will all some day...because of you brave spirit... & your common cause walk in the true light of compassion & equality.
rest now, we will continue your call.
Wayne Lineberger
February 16, 2013
To my wonderful sister, you are a inspiration to millions, with your love, honor and fight for life, love and family! I will always remember my special times that we had, from teaching me to skate, to diving and driving. I love you charlie!!!!!
Mary Jane
February 16, 2013
I am sorry to hear about your loss. Charlie will be dearly missed. She fought for rights of others. In Gods New World her vision will be realized when He will, "satisfy the desire of every living thing". Psalms 145:16.
Renea Sulfridge
February 15, 2013
I love you, respect you, admire you, and will greatly miss you my dear friend and sister. You will continue to do great things and you are history in the making.
Amy Nick
February 15, 2013
Charlie, I have been following your family's plight and the legacy you forged for your not only your family but many families you will nevr get to meet. Your passion to bring peace and fairness to our world will forever live on. God bless you and your family.
Patti Micale
February 15, 2013
I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. -Leo Buscaglia
So very sorry for your loss! With much respect and love!
Leanne Prencipe
February 15, 2013
I never had the pleasure of meeting Charlie but feel like I did by knowing and loving her mom...I am so so sorry for your loss and want you to know the respect I have for her...she is a hero in so many ways and the legacy she left is amazing! God bless you all!
maria elena brittian
February 15, 2013
No Mother could have been proudier of her daughter than i am of my beautiful,loving,careing Charlie,she is gone but not forgotten.
B Lucas
February 15, 2013
My sincere condolence for the loss of Charlie your dear loved one. May your fond memories of her bring much comfort. Peace and love to your family and friends, and to the spirit that you show. [email protected]
Terri & Joel Nahari
February 14, 2013
Rest in peace Charlie & much love to Karen & Casey. You will be missed so much. Your legacy will live on. Thanks for your friendship.
February 13, 2013
Charlie,
Thank you for being a part of my life and making it better; for all the laughter, smiles, and talks we shared; for being YOU! I love you and miss you already and will NEVER forget you, my DEAR FRIEND... Rest In Peace
Karen, Casey, Maria, Linda, Jack, and all family,
May you find comfort in the knowledge that she's at peace at last; of her relentless courage-strength-and unending love for her family!
May your memories sustain you in the times ahead-
Her light will shine like a beacon forevermore...
Mary Voltz
Lee, NH
February 13, 2013
God speed. You are an amazing angel.
Millie Anderson
February 13, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Neet
February 13, 2013
The desire to live is in all human creation. Yet because of the inheritance of sin we grow old, get sick and die. But soon our Creator will do away with death and mankind will be able to enjoy endless life on a paradise earth.
February 13, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 13, 2013
May you find comfort in the Hearer of prayer at this time. Psalm 65:2
Robin Marks
February 13, 2013
Rip
zavala
February 13, 2013
May the lord bless you and keep you!
elizabeth zavala
February 13, 2013
You are an inspiration for all gay and lesbians wanting equality! I just want the rights I deserve We will get there one day! May you rest in peace!
Adrianne Ellison
February 12, 2013
A permanent page in the book of great leaders of humanity.
Lydia Kohler
February 12, 2013
I remember teaching with Charlie at Pendleton County High. She was always fun to have around, but also very professional. I am glad to have known her. I hope her cause for equal rights is passed. I admire her passion in leading in this cause. Prayers to you, her family, at this difficult time.
Colleen
February 12, 2013
I did not know Charlie, but was very touched by reading of her fight against cancer, as well as to obtain the rights given to all of those who served in the military, and their families. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort knowing how much she fought for her wife and daughter's well being.
David Fink
February 12, 2013
My heart breaks at the loss, a truly courageous person,soldier, patriot, and friend...a fighter to the end...I will keep her loved ones in my thoughts and prayers through their difficult times ahead. Peace be with you Charlie your spirit lives on in us...
Mj
February 12, 2013
May you rest in peace and may your family have comfort, thank you for all you were.
Mark Cave
February 12, 2013
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Charlie, for the blessing of having known you! I will sorely miss you, as much in 30 years as I do now!
Beth
February 12, 2013
Your life was a gift to the world. Thank you for all you've done. Good Journey, now. Blessings on your head.
February 12, 2013
With deepest sympathy
Cheri Alexander
February 12, 2013
God Bless You and Rest in Peace..Thank you for all that you did to help others. Many prayers sent to your family and friends.
Kim Batte
February 12, 2013
Mayb Jehovah bring you comfort in the days to come.
Linda
February 12, 2013
God bless you Charlie. Your life was too short and you accomplished so much. Peace and comfort are wished to your wife and daughter and friends.
Wayne lineberger
February 12, 2013
I love you my big sister!!!!!
Vanessa Napier
February 12, 2013
May your courage and enduring spirit continue to inspire us to stand up for what is not just fair but right.
February 12, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
February 12, 2013
Rest in Peace.
Rosana and Pete Nimmerichters
February 12, 2013
Our deepest condolences to the family. And thank you Charlie for your selfless service to our country. You are a real American Hero. May God bless.
T & J
February 12, 2013
My your spirit live on within those that desire equality.
Jane Dowlingw
February 12, 2013
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
m.rita andreola
February 12, 2013
i am sorry for your loss,may memories bring some peace,she fought the fight till the end,GOD BLESS HER,there really are no words the way she and her family were treated.my prayers are with all of you..
Karen
February 12, 2013
Thank you Charlie Morgan for the courage and stamina to fight for equality and the convictions of which you believed. It is true, your battle for such human rights will far outweigh your battle with cancer and your battle for all Americans during your deployment. Your wife and daughter will always be proud of you. Rest in peace.
DEBRA CEOL
February 12, 2013
Sincere condolences to the Morgan's family.
Maryellen
February 12, 2013
R.I.P. Charlie. Sincerest sympathies to your dear family.
Shelby Chermak
February 12, 2013
God Bless you, Charlie!!!!!
February 12, 2013
THANK-YOU for your service to keep our freedom and may this candle be added to the warmth and brightness that you left gave to all.
Christina Gregg
February 12, 2013
You will be forever missed by many. Thank you for everything you taught me over the years.
james kelly
February 11, 2013
Thank you for your efforts, may you rest in peace knowing your torch will shine brightly for generations. My condolences to your partner and family
Lisa Boeving
February 11, 2013
Thank you for your selfless service to our country. You are a real American Hero. Sincere condolences to your family from my wife and I.
Susan and Kevin Reynolds
February 11, 2013
Charlie, your legacy will be the courage, strength, commitment, and love that you brought to our lives. Your light will live on in those who knew and loved you. Karen and Casey, May your memories comfort you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kevin and Sue Reynolds, NH National Guard (Ret), Bradford, NH
Mary Ann
February 11, 2013
My sympathy to the family. What a courageous woman in so many ways. Her service to our country is so appreciated. God Bless.
February 11, 2013
Thank you, my prayers are with your family at this time.
February 11, 2013
We hope her family to find comfort in 1stThessalonians1:3
February 11, 2013
To The Family Of Charlie Morgan
Many have experienced the toll sickness can take on someone we care about. As if that is not bad enough, death comes along and takes the person away. Others may not fully understand our inner feelings – our “own plague' and our “own pain.” (Proverbs 14:10) But God knows our heart, and He deeply cares about us. Pouring out our heart to Him in prayer can make our burdens easier to bear. God is the “Hearer of Prayer”. (Psalm 65:2) Take comfort in knowing God can sustain you at this difficult time.
Faye
February 11, 2013
Thanks you Charlie for your Military service and your fight for equality for spouces
I know your fight againt Cancer I have done that battle my self. Heart felt sympothy to your wife and child.
February 11, 2013
Thank you Charlie M for taking your fight to the end. May God forever bless you, and your loved ones. Rest in Peace dear friend of all.
Michael
Texas
February 11, 2013
she makes me proud to be a vet.her fight for equality should go on strong. robert mayer lebanon maine
Ivy
February 11, 2013
God Bless You,Sweet Soul. And God Bless Your Family and Those You Inspired. Love and Light.
Mary Smith
February 11, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family. God guarantees justice for all at Deut. 32:4.
Sadie Lunt
February 11, 2013
Sorry for ur lost.:(
Barbara
February 11, 2013
Thank you, Charlie, for all that you have taught us.
February 11, 2013
Our hearts ache for you during this time. Romans 15:33.
February 11, 2013
i extend my deepest condolences during this time of grief and pain GOD IS A strong hold in times of distress.PSALM 71; 1, 2. GA
February 11, 2013
A sad passing of a courageous soldier.
Maria Gibson
February 11, 2013
Praying for you during this difficult time. We see you surrounded in God's Light & Love. Remembering Charlie with great admiration. She continues to be a Beacon of Dignity & Grace shining upon us all...
Joni Jackson
February 11, 2013
I would like to send a candle
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