Philippa Morton Obituary (2015)

Philippa Jefferys Morton of Portland, passed away peacefully at home on Friday July 17th, in the company of her family. She is survived by her husband Jeremy Richard Morton M.D., her sister Molly Miller (Marvin), her five children Amy Morton, Julie Yeo (Bill), Guy Morton (Liz), Jeff Morton (Cindy), Christopher Morton (Tracy) and her nine grandchildren: Zachary Durbin, Rachel Durbin, Ellis Durbin, Inga Yeo, Jeremy Morton, William Morton, Deuce Morton, Oliver Morton and Alice Morton. Philippa was born in Ironton, Ohio, daughter of Rose and Hudson Jefferys. Philippa and Jerry met at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. They married in Baltimore and lived in several states across the country as their family grew. They settled in Portland in 1971 when Jerry entered private practice. Friendly and outgoing, Philippa quickly became invested in the Portland community. Eager to play a role in the re-development of the Old Port and Portlands downtown, she co-founded a needlepoint store, and her involvement in the construction of the Portland Museum of Art instilled in her an appreciation for Portland neighborhoods and architecture. She shared this passion with others for over 25 years as a residential realtor, and in finding just the right home for others she found a perfect fit for her ebullience and love of people. Philippa will be remembered for her generosity, hospitality and selflessness. Her Portland home has been a center of activity where she has welcomed family and friends of all ages for 45 years. She was known in the neighborhood for converting the backyard into an ice rink in winter and baseball diamond in summer. Once her kids were grown, the backyard became a cherished and beautiful garden. There was always an open seat at her table for visitors, including medical residents, exchange students, her book and bridge clubs, travelers and grandchildren, with plenty of food and fun to be shared. Philippa touched the lives of many by opening her home and her heart. Friends are invited to join the family at a service of remembrance to be celebrated at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 24th, at Sacred Heart Church in Portland.