Obituary: Jane Mackinnon Morrison Webster - Class of 1934

MADISON - Jane Mackinnon Morrison Webster passed over peacefully June 1, 2008. Jane was born on Jan. 16, 1916, in Morrisonville, Wis. She was extremely proud of her ancestry, being descended from pioneering Scottish families, Morrison, Caldwell, Mackinnon, and Caldow, who settled the Arlington Prairie in Dane and Columbia Counties in the 1840s. She was daughter to Colin Mackinnon Morrison and Mary Elizabeth Caldwell. Her childhood was joyful and characterized by the close associations with her aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins, several of whom were the result of three separate marriages between the Morrison and the Caldwell families. On her 75th birthday, she was surrounded by her many cousins and they were remembering the day she was born. She moved to Madison at the age of five when her father took a position with the State Board of Bank Examiners and they lived a block from the Capitol Square. She graduated from Brayton Elementary School and Central High School and attended the University of Wisconsin. While at Madison Central, she met the love of her life, Thomas Alden Webster, who preceded her in death in 1993 after enjoying nearly 60 years of marriage. They had two children, the Rev. Colin Thomas (Sue) and Dr. Stephen Alden (Susan). She has been further blessed by 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She was a powerful matriarch to her family, passing along to them a strong sense of the importance of dedication to family, love of God, and humble service to her beliefs and commitments. To the end, she was pragmatic and positive, coping with the consequences of the frailties of the aging body. Her life was driven by the pleasure she derived from being with her family. Her sense of humor, tolerant values, and open spirit endeared her to friends from every generation and she was deeply loved and admired. Her perseverance and resolute attitude inspired many. She was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church for 80 years. Lately, she appreciated Bethel Lutheran's television services. When Tom retired they took up vacationing in their Winnebago motor home. Countless happy hours were spent touring North America. Their time together during these years brought them both great contentment and enjoyment, as well as a bit of complaining when the "rig" broke down. They spent many happy years living on Monona Bay and Jane liked watching the duck couples paddling about. She will be especially missed for her Scottish shortbread and "peppernuts" (cooking traditions that she fully expected her offspring to continue). Her associations were important to her and provided many networks and happy memories. She was a member of the Monona Bay Garden Club, Eastern Shrine, Daughters of the Nile, ASPA, Ladies Auxiliary of Elks 410, and the Whitcomb Gals. After her children were raised she worked at Nelson's Books and Stationary in the Shorewood Shopping Center. She has gone to join her loved ones and prepare a place for those yet to come. She is deeply missed by all those who were close to her. Her passing leaves a deep void while the memories of her bring joy and inspiration. Her passing truly marks the close of a generation; the product of strong and resilient prairie farmers, dedicated to family and unambiguous values. Her family would like to thank the staff at Meriter/Capitol Lakes Health Center for their tender and loving care. A Memorial Service celebrating her time with us and the promise of the resurrection will be held at CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 944 E. Gorham St., Madison on July 6, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Presbyterian Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee Haiti Project. Cress Funeral and Cremation Services 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 8, 2008

Note: Jane Morrison's class year is based on information in the 1934 edition of The Orange and Black yearbook where she is pictured among the graduating seniors.