Jane Vittum Clarke

Jane Vittum Clarke (née Morgridge), 89, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, in Eliot, Maine. Born on June 27, 1935, in Eliot Maine, she was a lifelong resident of the Seacoast region and a beloved member of the Eliot community.

The daughter of the late Dorothy and Wilbur (John) Morgridge, Jane grew up in Eliot and graduated from Eliot High School. She devoted her life to family, faith, and community. As a mother and homemaker, she lovingly raised six children with her former husband, Orland McPherson. Her care extended to stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many others whose lives she touched.

In 1978, Jane began working at the Eliot Town Office, where her dedication led her to serve as Town Clerk and Tax Collector until her retirement in 1995. Her years of public service reflected her deep commitment to the town she called home.

A woman of strong faith, Jane was a devoted follower of Jesus and remained active in her church community throughout her life. Her spiritual strength was evident in both word and action.

Jane had a lifelong love of reading and was a proud supporter of the William Fogg Library in Eliot. She enjoyed her "Amish love stories" and was grateful to the librarians who fed her habit.

She is survived by her children: Rebecca McPherson (Chip Burr), Joseph W. McPherson (Nancy), Nancy McPherson Young (David), Susan McPherson (Richard Peele), Robert McPherson (Veronique Doherty), and James McPherson (Lynn); stepchildren and their spouses: Vicki Bosse, William Sanders, Joel Clarke (Margaret), Lisa Garrett (Don), Jennifer Burke (Matt), and Jay Clarke (Selma); her grandchildren Kerry Marhefka, Christian McPherson, Jennifer McPherson, John McPherson, Nicholas Young, Sara Creamer, Emily Peele, Micheal Peele, Matthew McPherson, Mallory McPherson, Samual McPherson and Joseph O. McPherson; her great grandchildren Rebecca, Benjamin, Isabelle, Wyatt, Ella and Addison; her step- grandchildren Laura Clarke Giberson, Isaiah Sanders, Mitzi Wesley, Sadie Sanders, Jessica Ward, Sara Clarke De Reza, Corie Crane, Elizabeth Khachatourian, Brittany Burke, Olivia Burke, Zachary Clarke, Selena Provencher, JC Morrison and her many step- great grandchildren; siblings John Morgridge and Judith Paradis

She was predeceased by her late husbands Carl Vittum and Glendon Clarke; as well as stepchildren Danny Clarke, Timmy Clarke, Blaine Clarke, and Marcia Sanders.

A Funeral Service will be held on May 10, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at St. John's Episcopal Church, 101 Chapel Street. A reception will follow the service in The Parish Hall. Burial at Brooks Memorial Park, State Road, Eliot, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the William Fogg Library in Eliot.