Obituary of Mildred C. Morse

Mildred (Millie) C. Morse of Putnam passed away on September 2, 2018, one day short of her 90thbirthday.  She died peacefully, surrounded by her beloved family. Millie was born September 3, 1928 in Willimantic, CT, the daughter of the late Mildred White and Lawrence Cogswell, Sr.  

Millie married Gilbert E. Morse in 1951, and they had 38 great years together; Gilbert passed away in 1989. She was lucky to have a second chance at love, and in 1993 married James (Coach) Greenhalgh, and enjoyed 15 loving years, until Jim died in 2009. 

Millie led an active life and enjoyed many varied activities. In her younger days she played the violin and became an accomplished painter. Many of her works hang in her lovely house. Later on she learned to play the organ, and became certified in handwriting analysis. Her home, an old country farmhouse that has been in the family for decades (Gilbert grew up in it) gave her immense joy; she loved just being there and puttering in the yard. 

In 1989, Millie retired from Southern New England Telephone Co. as an Assistant Manager, with 25 years of service. Millie was a volunteer at Day Kimball Hospital for 10 years, and served on the Women’s Board. She was a volunteer typist for Red Cross Blood drives. Millie was a member of the Putnam Methodist Church and served as a Sunday School teacher, Superintendent of the Sunday School, and Financial Secretary of the church. 

Millie’s twilight years were filled with fun visits with her children and dear friends. She loved to play cribbage, go out to eat, watch her favorite TV shows, and simply take care of everyone. Few can match her scones and chocolate chip cookies. Millie was a huge UCONN women’s basketball team fan and never missed a game. She also loved trips to her daughter’s Cape cottage, a place she considered heaven on earth.  Mother’s Day weekends most often involved a visit to her son’s home in New Jersey. 

Millie is survived by her daughter, Marjorie J. Morse and husband Bob Huntley of Nashua, NH; her son, Ellsworth L. (Larry) Morse of Haddonfield, NJ; her sister, Cora Merritt of Mystic, CT; her brother, Lawrence Cogswell and wife Maria of Woodstock Valley, CT; and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. 

There are no calling hours, but family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Friday, September 7, at 11:00am at Grove Street Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in memory of Millie Morse to Day Kimball Hospital.