Joan Etta Morse

BENNINGTON- Joan Etta Morse, 81, a resident of Bennington, Vermont passed away peacefully on November 15th, 2022 following a brief illness. Born in Bennington Vermont on October 5, 1941. She was the daughter of the late Ralph Rogers Senior and Florence Clark. She received her early education at Saint Francis De Sales School and graduated from Bennington Catholic High School. On August 10, 1963 Joan married the love of her life Richard A. Morse, Sr. Together they shared nearly 60 years together. Richard Sr. passed away earlier this year on March 9th, 2022. In her professional life Joan managed and operated the Iron Kettle Inn in Shaftsbury, Vermont for many years until her retirement in the 1990s. The Inn’s Guests that came from all around the country and even around the world would comment on how meticulously she kept the rooms. The Inn had its “No Vacancy” sign out quite often due to the rapport Joan had with them. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, playing bingo, spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as being an avid Red Sox fan. Joan also enjoyed occasionally paying a visit to some of the casinos in nearby New York. Joan can be described in so many words but the easiest way to describe her is she was “An Angel On Earth.” She was loved by everyone she came in contact with. If you met her, you were in love immediately, her kindness, her beautiful pale blue eyes, her wicked sense of humor, her generosity, and her wonderful personality. She lit up every room she entered. She was by far the most beautiful person that walked the earth, inside and out. There are no words for how much she will be missed. Her family was her number one love and priority. She was extremely involved in her grandchildren’s and her great grandchildren’s lives and she would have done anything for them. Joan was selfless, kind, caring and so generous and never put her own needs over her families. She always used to say “I don’t know what I would do without you all” now her family is saying “we don’t know what we are going to do without her” she was one of a kind and there will never be another like her. Survivors of Joan include Her children; Richard Morse Jr. and his wife Kimberly (Thompson) Morse. Daughters; Sandra Morse and her husband David Howe of Bennington; and Sindy Schaad and her husband Perry Schaad of Hoosick, New York. As well as, Her brother Donald Rogers (April) of Vermont and her sister Sue Rogers of Hoosick Falls, New York. Joan is also survived by six grandchildren: Lindsay Martin, Tyson Morse, Erin Brady, Jade Morse, Kayla Morse, Jessalyn Brady. Eleven great grandchildren; Anna Parmenter, Alexis Morse, Michael Mabee, Mathew Mabee, Kenley Morse, Olivia Berg, Tripp Sloan, Ember Sloan, Meadow Mabee, Liam Marcoux, Violet Martin, and one more on the way. As well as many nieces and nephews. Joan is predeceased by her beloved husband Richard A. Morse, Sr. As well as 9 brothers and 3 sisters. A graveside service for Joan and her husband, Richard Sr. will be held at a time to be announced in the spring of 2023. If friends should desire, contributions in memory of Joan may be made to the VA Clinic through the office of the Mahar and son Funeral Home 628 Main St. Bennington, VT 05201