Mary Jane Dole Morton, longtime Aromas resident and community activist, died in her bed in the early hours of Saturday, December 8, 2007; she was 85.
Mary Jane, or “M.J.” as she was known to many, led a full and exciting life. She was born to Paul Lester Dole and Mary Harriman and raised in Windsor, Conn. She attended Loomis-Chaffee Academy and earned a BA in History from Connecticut College in 1943, an MA from Smith College and was a teaching fellow at University of Virginia and University of Washington, where she met her husband John Stephens Morton just after WWII. After spending 12 years in Tokyo, the couple and son Stephen moved back to the States after an extensive tour of India, the Holy Land, and Europe. MJ rode rickshaws, elephants and camels, saw the Taj Mahal, visited Jerusalem and the sphinx and pyramids of Giza, and the Temple of the Oracle at Delphi in Greece, among other adventures.
Once back in the SF bay area, MJ volunteered for the Episcopal Church and local agency politics and worked on campaign committees. She moved to the Monterey Bay area in 1971 with her husband and son and they planted avocados on a small farm in Aromas. She was very active in local organizations and political groups such as the San Benito Historical Society, California Federated Womens’ Clubs, Republican Women, Welcome Wagon, Parliamentarians, and the Episcopal Church. She was best known for serving on the Aromas Fire Board as a Commissioner for 32 years, where she worked to create and enhance Aromas as a Tri-County Fire District. She was a veteran of many political campaigns and battles and also served as a county election official.
She had health problems for several years and was well-cared for at Valley Convalescent Hospital. As she neared her final days, she did not suffer and was closely attended by friends and loved ones.
She loved animals and people, and relished a good argument almost as much as a good laugh. She sends her love and regards to all those who were friends, loved ones and respected opponents. There will be a celebration of her life at the Aromas Grange on Rose Ave. in Aromas on Sat.,Jan. 19 at 3:30 pm until 6pm. All those who will attend, please call her son Stephen at 831-646-0471.
