Jeanette M. Morse, 80, of Gettysburg, PA, died Saturday morning, March 7, 2026, at her home. Her passing was peaceful, and her family takes comfort in knowing that she is free from all pain and is now an angel in heaven.
Born August 11, 1945, in Boston, Massachusetts, Jeanette was the daughter of the late Curtis and Irene (Getek) Copeland. She was the loving wife of Richard B. Morse, of Gettysburg, to whom she was married for 62 years.
Mrs. Morse was a Navy wife who moved frequently throughout her married life. Prior to moving to Gettysburg, she lived in Virginia, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Mississippi, Florida, and Naples, Italy. She was a mother and homemaker, and eventually also worked outside of the home; first in the Fairfax County, Virginia, school system, and later in an evolving career in finance. She started as a teller at the Virginia National Bank and eventually became a civilian accountant in the Navy Budget and Management within the Office of Naval Intelligence at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
Jeanette, known as Jan to those close to her, loved her family deeply and fiercely. She was devout in her faith in God, proud of her Polish heritage, and dedicated to her loving husband. Jan was so proud of her daughter and grandson, heartily supporting their every endeavor and accomplishment. She had a sharp, witty sense of humor and gave her time and care generously to family, friends and neighbors. Prior to marriage, Jan grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, and spent time with relatives in Florida and Massachusetts. Once married, she embraced the role of wife and mother; she enjoyed fishing and boating, playing cards and games, pizza and movie nights, and her beautiful peonies and orchids. Jan loved to travel and spent time reveling in rockhounding excursions in Moab, Utah, for over 20 years. She and her husband have been blessed with wonderful friends and neighbors in The Preserves community, where they have resided for the last 15 years.
In addition to her husband, Jeanette is survived by her daughter, Jennifer I. Thoma, and grandson, Leonard B. Morse, of Gettysburg, PA, and her brother, Clifford J. Copeland, of Virginia Beach. She was preceded in death by her son, Richard B. Morse, Jr. who passed in 1967 when Richard was stationed in Hawaii. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, John Copeland and Paul Copeland.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 11:30 AM, Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Monahan Funeral Home, 125 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, PA. Online condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.