Philippa Morton

July 17, 2015
Philippa Jefferys Morton of Portland, passed away peacefully at home on Friday July 17th, in the company of her family. She is survived by her husband Jeremy Richard Morton M.D., her sister Molly Miller (Marvin), her five children Amy Morton, Julie Yeo (Bill), Guy Morton (Liz), Jeff Morton (Cindy), Christopher Morton (Tracy) and her nine grandchildren: Zachary Durbin, Rachel Durbin, Ellis Durbin, Inga Yeo, Jeremy Morton, William Morton, Deuce Morton, Oliver Morton and Alice Morton. Philippa was born in Ironton, Ohio, daughter of Rose and Hudson Jefferys. Philippa and Jerry met at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. They married in Baltimore and lived in several states across the country as their family grew. They settled in Portland in 1971 when Jerry entered private practice. Friendly and outgoing, Philippa quickly became invested in the Portland community. Eager to play a role in the re-development of the Old Port and Portlands downtown, she co-founded a needlepoint store, and her involvement in the construction of the Portland Museum of Art instilled in her an appreciation for Portland neighborhoods and architecture. She shared this passion with others for over 25 years as a residential realtor, and in finding just the right home for others she found a perfect fit for her ebullience and love of people. Philippa will be remembered for her generosity, hospitality and selflessness. Her Portland home has been a center of activity where she has welcomed family and friends of all ages for 45 years. She was known in the neighborhood for converting the backyard into an ice rink in winter and baseball diamond in summer. Once her kids were grown, the backyard became a cherished and beautiful garden. There was always an open seat at her table for visitors, including medical residents, exchange students, her book and bridge clubs, travelers and grandchildren, with plenty of food and fun to be shared. Philippa touched the lives of many by opening her home and her heart. Friends are invited to join the family at a service of remembrance to be celebrated at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 24th, at Sacred Heart Church in Portland.
Class mates remember Flip: I loved Flip Jeffreys! She lived down the hall from me, taught me how to play Bridge and was great fun to be with. She was known on the sixth floor of Hampton House for singing loudly while waiting for the elevator when she had to work an early shift…Sort of like “If I have to get up the rest of you should be awake too!” She would stand there and always sing the song “I’m so pretty..oh so pretty” from West Side Story! Flip had such a cute personality and such an impish smile … she got away with doing it. From the obit. it sounds like she remained the same warm friendly person she was in school right up through her adult/senior life!We had lost contact years ago so I appreciated the communication. I am sure she was a treasure to her family. Patty Cook Bingemer Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Nursing 1961what I remember of Flip…sitting on the center strip between the hospital and Hampton House, whistling as loud as could be! Donna Cousens Conley Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Nursing 1961
– Johns Hopkins Hospital Class of 1961
So sad to hear of the loss of such a lovely lady. I will always remember Philippa as an icon in the real estate community. She was a wonderful mentor and confidant. My deepest condolences to her Family at this very difficult time.
– Rita Yarnold
I am holding the Morton family in my heart during this difficult time. In the brief time that I knew her, I could tell what a light she was in the family. Thinking of you,Lisa (home health nurse)
– Lisa Freeman
Dear Dr. Morton,I was deeply saddened by the news of your wife’s passing. My heart felt condolences to you and your family. Sincerely, Jan
– Jan Trott
My heartfelt condolences to Dr. Morton and family at this sad time. Philippa was a fellow Steward of the Western Cemetery and her stalwart commitment to its preservation was highly valuable and much appreciated.
– Andy Verzosa
Jerry,Julie called and gave me the news. Kelly and I send you our deepest condolences and warmest regards.David
– David Geary