Helen Louise Letsinger Morgan

Helen Louise Letsinger Morgan passed away early in the morning of December 26th, 2023, at her home. Helen was born December 28th, 1932 in Indianapolis, Indiana to William C. and Vonnie Elizabeth Letsinger. After attending Shortridge High and Butler University, she migrated with a close friend on an adventure to Houston. There she met many lifelong friends and her husband of 65 years through membership with Memorial Methodist Church and the Houston Ski Club. Her early years in Houston were spent camping and skiing at Lake Travis and working in the bridal department at Sakowitz.

A homemaker, she found time to follow her passions for music, needlework, quilting and calligraphy while raising four children. Her love of music began with the piano and violin as a young girl and continued with the cello in the 1970’s with the LSU orchestra and Princeton Chamber Music camps when living in Pennsylvania. She also enjoyed singing as a soprano in her churches’ choirs.

Her handwork created a treasure trove of needlepoint pieces, hand quilting projects, embroidery and over 200 prayer shawls for the ministry at First Methodist Church of Baton Rouge. All her grandchildren as well as a few special friends received hand sewn quilts. She began quilting with a quilting guild in Baton Rouge, and upon moving to Pennsylvania, she joined two and expanded her horizons. Some of the solo trips she made were to quilt expos, to shop, learn and appreciate the art of quilting.

She picked up calligraphy in the 80’s, studying under masters in the state. She enjoyed doing this work for brides through a local stationery shop. Creating wedding invitations, family bibles or adding entries was a special talent shared with many clients.

She participated in several additional organizations as her children grew, Baton Rouge Symphony Association (working on the move to the Centroplex Theater); Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Alumnae Association (serving as president for 1969-1970); and she helped start the Baton Rouge Calligraphy Guild. In addition, she studied tax preparation with H&R Block and opened a new office for them. She then volunteered with tax preparation for seniors through AARP.

As one of the longest residents of St. James Place, she was able to pursue her love of table games and puzzles. With her husband as her partner, weekly games were also enjoyed as members of the Baton Rouge Bridge Club. Many who knew her, enjoyed her quiet demeanor, but appreciated her wry sense of humor, always ready with a quip or a grammar correction.

She is preceded in death by her parents, three siblings, and beloved daughter Camille Julia Morgan. She is survived by her husband William Hewitt Morgan; her children Cynthia Morgan Stewart (Bing), Carole Morgan Guidry and Gregory Hewitt Morgan (Anna). Helen also leaves behind grandchildren, Ashton C. Stewart, Hayes C. Stewart (Katie), Christopher M. Guidry, William Y. Guidry (Brandi), Elizabeth G. Favaro (Cody), Austin M. Siegfried, Olivia G. Morgan and Vincent T. Morgan of Germany, as well as great-grandchildren Olivia C. Ganey and Craig M. Stewart.

The family would like to thank Dianne Starks, Nakita Ellis, Ella Green, DeShanne Posey, Andrea Parker, Magdalene Baptist, Hospice of Baton Rouge and especially Nicole Smith and Suzy Boudinot for their loving care and kindness over the last two years.

Private family services will be held graveside at Greenoaks Memorial Park with Rev. Brady Whitton, Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church presiding. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to the Camille Julia Morgan Arthritis Research and Education Fund (hopkinsarthritis.org).