By SANDRA J PENNECKE
By Sandra J. Pennecke
Correspondent
Each time life has thrown Margaret Morton a curveball, she’s caught it and turned it into an opportunity to help others.
Morton, 79, was recently awarded the William G. Ashman Lifetime Achievement Award for 20 years of service with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program .
She received the honor recently during the Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia’s 33rd annual luncheon .
A 1947 graduate of Maury High School, Morton is vice president of Grief and Loss, formerly Widowed Persons Service, a support group for those who have lost spouses .
The group, with about 35 members, meets weekly at First Baptist Church of Norfolk, 312 Kempsville Road , and at Virginia Beach Christian Church to hear speakers, enjoy potluck dinners, play cards, take outings and work through their grief.
Morton’s late husband, Gordon , who was the first chapter president for AARP Chapter 4212 , recommended her for the position in 1988.
“They needed someone to fill the president of the widowed person group, and he said I could do it,” she said, explaining that she and Gordon were both widowed from their first spouses. She married Gordon in 1986.
Her experience with losing a spouse enabled her to help others. When Gordon, known as Mr. AARP, died six years ago, Morton found herself leaning on the same group she ran.
“I did what I tell people to do,” Morton said. “Widowhood is something you can’t imagine what to experience until you experience it.”
The group focuses on getting widows and widowers of all ages back on their feet to continue living. “We want to make sure they are able to take care of themselves,” she said.
The mother of two and grandmother of three also serves on the auxiliary board at Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital, the same place she sought help following knee replacement surgeries and a back injury.
She is a health representative with AARP Chapter 4212 and, as a breast cancer survivor, also volunteers with Reach to Recovery , sharing her experience with recently diagnosed breast cancer patients.
For the past 18 years, Morton has worked two days a week as a bookkeeper and teaches Sunday school at Community United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach. She also serves on Stephen Ministries, a one-on-one ministry to help people experiencing tough times sort out their options.
“Margaret is an exceptional volunteer,” said Bob Jarrell , RSVP coordinator. “She’s served on boards, councils, committees and special projects.
“People like the Mortons get down and get their hands dirty to help the people who really need the help. They want to make a difference and she truly does.”
Said Morton: “I hope I can do this until the day I die.”
Sandra J. Pennecke, [email protected]
going?
What Grief and Loss, a support group for those who have lost spouses, is open to all ages
Virginia Beach 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays at Virginia Beach Christian Church, 2225 Rose Hall Drive. Call 481-3494.
Norfolk 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at First Baptist Church of Norfolk, 312 Kempsville Road. Call 461-3226.
going?
What Grief and Loss, a support group for those who have lost spouses, is open to all ages
Virginia Beach 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays at Virginia Beach Christian Church, 2225 Rose Hall Drive. Call 481-3494.
Norfolk 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at First Baptist Church Norfolk, 312 Kempsville Road. Call 461-3226.
Originally published by BY SANDRA J. PENNECKE.
(c) 2008 Virginian – Pilot. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
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