H. Dolores "Chase" Morgan

Dolores (Chase) Morgan, 96, a former resident of Suffolk, VA passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Riverside Magnolia Manor in Smithfield, VA.

Born November 29, 1929, in Cumberland, MD, she was the daughter of the late Daniel Franklin, Sr and Helen Adeline (Keller) Chase. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Clarence Lester Morgan and her long-time (56 years) dear colleague and frequent traveling companion Mar M. Calamine.

She was a member of the Fort Hill High School Class of 1947 and graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park campus. At Maryland, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Speech, a Masters of Education degree in Guidance Counseling, and completed additional graduate studies in psychology and sociology.

An employee of the Board of Education of Allegany County, she was a member of the Fort Hill High School faculty for 13 years and the Central Office staff in the Department of Pupil Personnel for 18 years.

Active in pupil personnel work at the local, state, and international levels, she served as President of the State of Maryland Department of Pupil Personnel from 1974-1976. Previously, she had served on numerous committees, was editor of the state newsletter, and assisted in writing the state handbook which was accepted by members of the Board of Education of the State of Maryland as the official document.

In New Orleans, Louisiana she was installed as the President of the International Association of the Pupil Personnel Workers (IAPPW) serving her term from 1979-1980. Founded in 1911, IAPPW was comprised of members from Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Guam, the District of Columbia, and 33 U.S. states.

In 1980, she received the IAPPW Award for her "outstanding contributions to children and pupil personnel service". That same year, she received the "Certificate of Recognition" from the Board of Education of Allegany County commending her work in pupil personnel services on the international level. In 1988, she was presented the 1st Distinguished Service Award for "loyalty and services to the pupil personnel services in the State of Maryland". Following her retirement, Governor Parris Glendening appointed her to the Maryland Foster Care Board for Allegany and Garrett Counties

During her career in education, Dolores was tapped for membership in the following honorary societies for women: Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK), Phi-Delta Kappa (PDK), and Delta Kappa Gamma. She later served as the President of Phi Chapter, ADK, and treasurer of Tri-State Chapter, PDK.

She was a member of the Cumberland Ladies of the Elks, B.P.O. Elks Lodge #63, and served as its 1992-1993 President. She was also a past member of Beta Sigma Phi, a social sorority in Cumberland, where she filled the officer of President for Omicron Chapter and City Council.

Dolores was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution Chesapeake, VA Chapter.

Her enjoyment of working with children of all ages was fulfilled through happy times as Cub Scout Den mother and as an adult advisor and secretary/treasurer for the Cumberland Pony Club in the 1960's and 1970's.

Dolores was an avid fan of U.S. Naval Academy football, ACC and Big 10 football and basketball, pro-football and NASCAR with Joey Logano being her favorite driver.

She especially enjoyed Big Band and Jazz music, dancing, bowling, and traveling. With her husband, Clarence, she travelled extensively throughout the world over a period of 50 years. Areas she found particularly interesting and educational were Algeria, China, Russia, Venezuela, Egypt, and the Panama Canal.

The Scarpelli Funeral Home, 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, MD is in charge of arrangements. Dolores requested there be no visitation. Instead, she wanted to be remembered through the wonderful people and activities who and which molded her life to fulfillment and much happiness.

She deeply appreciated the loving care, guidance, support, and devotion her father and mother, and brother continuously provided throughout her lifetime. She was also fortunate and grateful to enjoy a nice relationship with members of the extended families of both her parents.

Dolores always believed that Fort Hill High School and its faculty helped to mold her values and social character through its excellent academics and activities.

It was her wish to leave the following verse (author unknown to her) for all her loved-ones, friends, and associates.

"When I come to the end of the day

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in gloom-filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love we once shared ---

Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take

And each must go alone.

It's all a part of the Maker's plan,

A step on the road home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds –

Miss me, but let me go."

Surviving are her son, her pride and joy, Captain Todd Morgan, USN (ret); beloved daughter-in-law Terri (Coutts) Morgan of Suffolk, VA; granddaughter, whom she adored and cherished, Sydney Autumn (Morgan) Soward; her devoted husband, James Soward of Lynchburg, VA; brother, Dr. Daniel Chase, Jr. and sister-in-law Henrietta (Wagus) Chase of College Park, MD; niece, Cynthia (Chase) Escalante and her husband, Richard Escalante of Bowie, MD; several cousins; and her dear friend of more than 80 years, Sadie Ellen (McIntosh) Koser, with whom a deep-bonded relationship developed when they were 3rd grade students at Penn Avenue Elementary School.

Graveside services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Lark Muncy officiating.

Interment will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Mason Road, Cumberland, Maryland.