VIRGINIA MORTON

1943 - 2022

MORTON, Virginia February, 11, 1943 - July, 3, 2022. Virginia Morton died on July 3, 2022 at the age of 79 years, after a long struggle with Multiple Sclerosis and dementia. Known as Ginny, she was the only daughter of Robert and Opal. She grew up in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and always had fond memories of her time at Longmeadow High School where she was a cheerleader. She attended Goucher College and then received her Master of Science in Biology from Northwestern University. She loved science and for a time worked in cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City. She married Perry W. Morton in 1966, and they had two children, Carolyn and Christine. She lived in Marblehead for 45 years before Perry's death in 2018, after which she moved to The Village at Mariner's Point in East Haven, Connecticut.

Ginny is affectionately remembered by many for her love of the arts, having been a board member of Marblehead Little Theater, co-founder/Director of the Arts at Tower summer camp as well as a Producer and Production Manager for The Revels in Cambridge. She led MLT's acquisition of its current home at the Old Firehouse and found great pride in securing this permanent residence for her beloved troupe and its contribution to the town she loved. She was involved with the Symphony by the Sea, Citizens' Scholarship Foundation, Channel 2 Auctions, local cable television, and contributed to the Marblehead Reporter. Ginny was a talented actress, writer, musician, director and producer who was most joyful when she was being creative and working with children. In addition to her artistic endeavors, she loved to golf at Tedesco Country Club and sail in her small boat in Salem Harbor. She was active with the League of Women Voters and was a passionate advocate for public education. She was a visionary, never afraid of a challenge and loved a good laugh. Ginny instilled her love of the arts in her daughters, both of whom went on to have successful careers in the theater. She is survived by Carolyn, Christy, and their families, including Carolyn's husband Michael and daughter Isla, and Christy's husband Gary and son Peter.

An open house will be held at Marblehead Little Theater, 12 School St., in Marblehead, MA 01945 on August 20, 2022, between the hours of 11:00 am and 1:00 pm where family and friends are welcome to stop by and share in the celebration of her memory. Donations to MLT are requested in lieu of flowers or gifts.