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June 28, 2021
Jill Copeland Moersh, 89, of Covington, Virginia passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2021. She was born December 10, 1931 in New York City, the daughter of the late Arthur Benjamin Copeland and Helen Friedlander Copeland. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband James "Jim" Farner Moersh and a son-in-law Bobby A. Dean. At a very young age, Jill moved to Cedarhurst, Long Island, NY, where she was a longtime resident. She graduated from Lawrence High School in Cedarhurst, NY in 1949 and earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Teaching from Oswego College, Oswego NY in 1952. She met her husband Jim while he was working as Activities Secretary at the Five Towns YMCA in Lawrence, NY. They were married in 1954 and celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary prior to Jim's passing in January of 2011. Jill was a long time teacher who touched the lives of the many students she taught. She began her teaching career at the Dutch Broadway School, in Elmont, NY. With the arrival of their three children, she left teaching to be a stay at home mom. She was very involved in her children's lives, and the Moersh home was always a welcoming gathering place for all of her children's friends. When her children were all in school, Jill returned to her teaching career at P.S. #4 in Inwood, NY where she taught at risk students at the primary grade levels. She went back to school during this time and graduated from Adelphi University, in Garden City, NY with a Master's Degree in Reading. For many years, Jill was a 4-H leader and an active member of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County, NY. She had many creative talents and enjoyed crewel embroidery, rug hooking, crocheting and other needle art. In 1976 the Moersh family moved to Bloomsburg, PA, and lived in the house that Jim built. They had an active farmette complete with goats, sheep, chickens, and an occasional pig and cow. Jill resumed her teaching career at the Millville School, Millville, PA where she remained until her retirement. While in Bloomsburg, Jill was an active member of the Embroider's Guild of America, the Red Hat Ladies, and the Woman's Club. She and her husband were involved in the establishment of the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble and remained strong supporters of the group. In 2008 Jill and Jim moved to Covington, VA to be near their daughter, Anne Dean. After arriving here Jill enjoyed social outings with the Red Hat Ladies and was a member of the Greenbrier Artists, Inc. in Lewisburg WV. She was a supporter of several local organizations in the Covington area. Jill was a loving wife and mother. She was the kind of person who could start a conversation with a total stranger and will be remembered as someone who cared about others in word and deed. She loved dogs, and made a difference in the lives of many children. Jill is survived by her children, a daughter, Anne M. Dean of Covington; a daughter, Elizabeth Moersh and her husband, Allen Shinn of Philadelphia, PA; and a son Timothy J. Moersh of Philadelphia , PA Her family is grateful for the loving care given to our mother by her long time companions and caregivers Susan Helper and Mandy H. Arritt. Special thanks to Mountain Regional Hospice, Shawn Wright, Amber Mullins, and Joyce Anderson and Kathleen Fridley. In keeping with her wishes, her body had been cremated. A private memorial service will be planned at a later date. The family suggests that memorial contributions take the form of contributions to the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, P.O. Box 770001, Cincinnati, Ohio 45277-0053. Please indicate on any checks, for James F. and Jill C. Moersh Charitable Gift Fund..
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