Myrna Lee Duplessie

Myrna Lee Duplessie, 86, of Elverson, PA, passed away January 26, 2025.

Born July 5, 1938, in Augusta, Maine, she was the eldest daughter of the late John Richard and Elva Irene (nee McEachern) McLean. Myrna Lee was named after her mother’s favorite actress, Myrna Loy.

Myrna had a heart for education, graduating in 1956 from the Coburn Classical Institute, a college preparatory school in Waterville, Maine. She went to Eastern Baptist College, now Eastern University, in St. Davids, Pennsylvania and graduated in 1961 with a BA in Education. Later, she went on to receive her master’s degree in Christian Education from the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia.

Myrna had a love for family and children. Growing up on a farm in Maine with four siblings, she learned about love, hard work, and the stability of family. In her college days she married and started a family of her own in Pennsylvania. She raised three of her own children and several foster children. Once her children were in school, she was able to go back to teaching part time in the Souderton Area School District. 

Myrna had a passion for God and music. With her family, she joined Christ Lutheran Church in Kulpsville, PA, where in 1973, her children were baptized. She played piano and sang soprano. She enjoyed performing in numerous choirs, with her family, and later, in musical theatre. She also enjoyed watching and supporting her children’s involvement in school, church, community sports and theatre. Every summer Myrna and family would return to Maine to visit. 

In 1990, Myrna married again. This time the move would bring her home to Maine. She was able to re-connect with family and friends. She was also able to travel. She went to Prince Edward Island, Canada to see the house where her father was born, and the lighthouse on Prim Pt. that her grandfather kept.

She enjoyed traveling with Paul. They traveled back to PA, to Disney World in Florida, and to the west coast to see Paul’s brother and his family. They enjoyed many parks and sights across the country between the coasts. When home, she taught 5th grade at Temple Academy in Waterville, Maine, was involved at Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal (Prince of Peace) Church in Augusta, Maine and the North Vassalboro Public Library. She always stayed committed to her community, church, and family. 

In her later years, back in Pennsylvania, she enjoyed times with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She enjoyed being involved in TOPS, her church at Exton UMC, and her apartment life. Every other year she liked going home to Maine to see all her family. She loved seeing her siblings, step grandkids and great grandchild, James Lincoln Morse.

Myrna was the beloved wife of the late Paul Duplessie; loving mother of John Robert Beideman, Karen Elizabeth Beideman, and Jeffrey L. Beideman (Illyona); adoring grandmother of Jonathan Beideman, Joshua Beideman (Ferielle), and Jessica Beideman; proud great-grandmother of Charlotte, Sophie, and Isabelle; and dear sister of John McLean, Everett McLean (Marie), and Deanna Pike (Pat Malloy). She was predeceased by her youngest brother Neil McLean and former spouse, Harry Beideman. 

There will be a Memorial Service on February 15th at Exton UMC, 181 Sharp Ln, Exton, PA at 3:00 PM, with a calling time of 2:15 to 3:00. Live streaming is available through Facebook. Interment will be private in Maine.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Exton UMC, 181 Sharp Ln, Exton, PA 19341.