Frances C. (Marchese) Morton “Chickie” passed away peacefully at the Massachusetts General Hospital on New Year’s Day. She was 81. A long-time Medford resident, Chickie was born in Boston’s North End, and lived Charlestown for many years. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Agnes (DeAngelis) Marchese. A proud graduate of Cathedral High School in Boston, Chickie worked many years as a secretary with several companies, and once married, she settled in Medford where she raised her family. She was very active in her community. She worked as the secretary of St. James Parish in Medford and served as a lunch mother at the Osgood School. She founded the Parent Teacher Group at the Osgood and was a great advocate for education and family involvement. Chickie was also very active with the Catholic Daughters of America and served as a State Regent. Most of all, Chickie was devoted to her family and looked forward to spending time with her “sunshines”.
The beloved wife of the late William P. Morton, Chickie is survived by her beloved children: Michelle Hardy of Medford, William Morton of Clawson, Michigan, and her son-in-law and “best bud” Fran Hardy of Medford. She was a loving grandmother to her two rays of sunshine: Brianna and Courtney Hardy. Chickie was also the sister of Leah Lyons of Everett and the late Anna Glencross.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Thursday morning, January 6th, from 9 -10:30 AM with a funeral service at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Chickie's name to Bridge Over Troubled Waters, 47 West St., Boston, MA 02111.