Marie S. Morman

Marie S. Morman, 102, of Lititz and formerly of Allentown, died peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Moravian Manor Community in Lititz. Born on December 7, 1923 to Oswill and Mary A. Loch Bittner, she graduated from Whitehall High School and attended Cedar Crest College while serving as organist and choir director at Jordan U.C.C. Church. After college she taught high school Home Economics for one year before marrying the late Rev. John F. Morman in 1946.

Together Marie and John formed a devoted partnership that spanned more than four decades of ministry. She served as organist and choir director at each of his pastorates, beginning in Uhrichsville, Ohio, then at First Moravian Church in South Bethlehem, Gnadenhutten Moravian Church in Ohio, Linden Hall School in Lititz, Cana and Gracehill Moravian Churches in Antigua, West Indies, Trinity Moravian Church in Lanham, Maryland, and finally Coopersburg Moravian Church. In Antigua she also taught organ and cherished her encounters with the warm Antiguan people. After John’s retirement in 1987, they returned to the West Indies for four winters of volunteer service in Antigua, St. Croix, and Barbados. They shared a deep love for community, creating lasting friendships wherever they lived and maintaining ties with friends from every chapter of their journey.

Marie was known for her many talents and quiet generosity. An accomplished seamstress, avid reader of biographies and non-fiction, and lifelong learner, she took up the cello in later years and continued playing piano into her late nineties. She and John began cherished holiday traditions with the Shelley family, gathering for more than thirty Thanksgivings and Christmases together. In Florida they held Easter dawn services at the Manatee River and Christmas lovefeast services for many years. After moving to Lititz in 2002, she remained active in Lititz Moravian Church, volunteered at the church Museum and Archives, and delivered Meals on Wheels. She lived independently in her home until nearly 102, sustained by the care of family, neighbors, and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Ruth Ellen Shelley, wife of Michael Shelley of Lititz; a grandson, Ryan A. Shelley of Baltimore, partner of Dr. Brynn Wajda; a granddaughter, Kate M. Yeager, wife of Jonathan Yeager of Lancaster; a great-grandson, Jasper Lee Yeager; and a great-granddaughter, Etta Marie Yeager. Marie’s life was marked by faithful service, musical gifts, and a genuine love that touched everyone she met.