Elizabeth Sarah Morse

Elizabeth Sarah Morse, 96, longtime Oak Harbor resident, died Jan. 10, 2008, at Regency on Whidbey Harbor Care.

Mrs. Morse was born June 26, 1911, in South Bend, Ind., to James Romine and Blanche (Brown) Romine. She was raised in South Bend where she graduated from high school. She attended the University of Chicago, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree. She then pursued post-graduate studies at the University of Michigan. Following her college graduation, she attended Merrill-Palmer Nursing School in Detroit, where she received her certificate of nursing as a registered nurse.

Elizabeth married Graham Weagant in South Bend, and they later moved to the Bay Area, where they resided in Berkeley and then Oakland, Calif., where their son James was born. She worked in nursing at Highland Hospital in Alameda County, where she was eventually promoted to the position of administrating nurse. She later married LCDR Arthur Morse (USN) in Oakland, on Aug. 8, 1966. They moved to Oceanside, Calif., where they enjoyed boating and flying. Elizabeth took flying lessons and received her pilot’s license, one of the oldest women ever to receive it at that time.

The couple moved to Whidbey Island following Arthur’s retirement from civilian employment with Contra Costa County and Elizabeth’s from nursing. Enticed by the beautiful waters surrounding the island, they enjoyed boating and RV’ing. Elizabeth’s love of music motivated her to become involved in a chamber music group in which she played viola. She also played viola in the Skagit Symphony. Her musical gifts were further used in service at her church, First Baptist of Oak Harbor (now Church on the Rock), where she was organist for many years. Elizabeth was active as a volunteer at NAS Whidbey Island Hospital and the local Red Cross chapter, from which she received a plaque recognizing her volunteer efforts.

Elizabeth is survived by her son, James Graham Weagant and his wife Relda, of Valley Stream, Long Island, N.Y.; also by one step-granddaughter, Mikelle C. Adgate, also of Valley Stream. She was preceded in death by her husband, LCDR Arthur Ivan Morse.

A memorial gathering will be at Church on the Rock, 1780 SE 4th Avenue, on Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m., Pastor Clint Webb officiating. Memorials are suggested to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37295, Washington, D.C. 20013, Att.: J. Porter. Arrangements are through Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc., 746 NE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor.