Waterford — Helen Elizabeth “Bunny” Morgan, 85, died peacefully Sept. 11, 2024, at the Yale-New Haven Hospital after a brief illness. She was born April 9, 1939, in Illinois to George Walker Morgan and Dorothy Wegg Morgan.
Bunny is survived by her three children, John Walker Joseph of Lake George, N.Y., Kelly Wegg Joseph of Waterford, and Russell Alden Joseph of Victor, Idaho. Other survivors include eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Linda Levak of Durham, N.C. She was predeceased by one brother, George Walker Morgan. Bunny attended Colby College and the University of Connecticut, where she studied veterinary medicine and history. Until moving to Waterford, Bunny lived most of her adult life in the Glens Falls, N.Y. area. From 1985-1997,
Bunny served as the Diocesan Altar Guild Directress for the Episcopal Diocese of Albany under the direction of Bishop David Ball. Her ministry was to reclaim the crafts of altar vestment and linen construction. Once she herself learned these crafts, Bunny traveled all around the Diocese, teaching women from the parish altar guilds. She quickly became known as a wonderfully gifted teacher, both nationally and internationally. In this capacity, Bunny authored books with the purpose of gathering and sharing information for this ministry she cared so deeply for.
In 1997, Bunny launched an online business, Church Linens, which she operated from her home. She offered instruction, fabrics, patterns, tools, and a wealth of knowledge and support to altar guilds and liturgical seamstresses around the world. Her passion for serving the church and for ecclesiastical sewing led to several unique experiences, among which was making stoles for priests who were serving in the military. Bunny was also contacted by Leicester Cathedral to make linens for a newly constructed altar for the reinterment of King Richard III. She continued operating Church Linens up until the time of her death.
Bunny loved to read, to learn, and to teach others. She wove baskets, spun her own wool, and loved gardening, raising and releasing monarch butterflies, and cooking. Connecting with nature and animals of all kinds (her Dobermans, cats, canaries, as well as snakes, whales, and birds in the wild) was another passion that was very important to Bunny and brought her great solace.
Bunny was a curious, strong, and independent woman, and she loved meeting and connecting with people as she traveled around the world. Her strength and wit inspired all who knew her to love, to learn, and to serve their communities as they continue her great legacy.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at The Cathedral of All Saints in Albany, NY. The service will be live streamed on the Cathedral’s You Tube channel at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@cathedralofallsaints/streams.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to The Cathedral of All Saints, 62 South Swan Street, Albany, NY. 12210; to St. James Episcopal Church, 76 Federal Street, New London, CT 06320; or to Safe Futures, 16 Jay Street, New London, CT. 06320 or donate electronically at safefuturesct.org/donatenow.
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