Rosalyn Morgan-Ledbetter

Obituary Lyn J. Morgan-Ledbetter (Sisich) Rosalyn ("Lyn") J. Morgan-Ledbetter (Sisich) was born on April 2, 1939 to Peter and Rosalyn Sisich in Anaconda, Montana, passed away on August 12, 2009. She was predeceased by her father in 1989 and her mother in 2008. Lyn was a "tough cookie" who always knew the difference between right and wrong. Her youth was spent ice-skating the frozen ponds in Deer Lodge, Montana, playing "crack the whip" and pretending to teach school, her ultimate career. World War II brought her to Tacoma where "Daddy" Pete repaired military ships and salmon fished in Puget Sound while Mom took care of her and sister Gay. The family moved back to Spokane and brother Lew was born. Big sister Lyn loved caring for her little brother. Lyn's grandparents moved in which made for a happy houseful. Sunday Dinners at home with "Bessie and Mom" making homemade breads and meals were some of her fondest memories. Lyn graduated from North Central High School with honors in 1956, was a NCHS "Red Feather", earned a letter in tennis was a member of the math club, and worked at St. Luke's Hospital right by the house. Although accepted to Vasser College in New York, Lyn attended Eastern Washington University where she was the Homecoming Queen in 1959, President of Louise Anderson Hall, a member of the ROTC and dated the quarterback of the football team. Lyn then moved to Los Gatos, CA where she taught at Truman Middle School. She often remarked, "I moved to California for a year and stayed for 40." While living in the bay area of California, Lyn had a successful side career in modeling and enjoyed going to the jazz clubs in San Francisco to listen to some of the greats. Lyn cherished her family. Nieces Kim (Jeff), Colleen (George) Sidira, Clara and Emma and nephews Mikey and Peter were treasures whom "Auntie Lyn" adored. Lyn's only child Stuart was born in 1970 in Santa Monica to she and husband Stan and after a few years, the family moved to Long Beach, CA. Times were great with friends and family, trips to the beach and summer BBQs by the pool. Lyn also had many special times with her in-laws, Wilma and Earl Morgan, sister-in-law, June (Terry) and brother-in-law Bill (Keri). Lyn enjoyed many great outdoor adventures with the Morgan family including camping and waterskiing trips. Christmas at the Morgans in Woodland Hills were some of Lyn's favorite memories. In 1976, Lyn helped put to crack in the "glass ceiling" and bought a house in Long Beach, CA. While working a full time job and raising Stuart, Lyn earned a Masters Degree in Education Administration and held many jobs in the ABC Unified School District. Lyn quickly worked her way "up the ladder" and retired as an Assistant Principal but her favorite job was as a guidance counselor at Whitney High School where she could help kids better themselves. Lyn had many fond memories of all the students she worked with in education (too numerous to mention here) and all of the colleagues and friends she met while working at ABC Unified. In 1985, Lyn married long-time companion Charlie Ledbetter and along with son Stuart, moved to Fullerton, California. Lyn and Charlie enjoyed many good times together, traveling to Palm Springs, Spokane, Lake Arrowhead and Hawaii for vacations, going to Ram games and getting to know her new in-laws, Murrell and Ruth Ledbetter whom she cared for dearly and Charlie's children and grandchildren. Lyn was especially close with granddaughter Sara and grandson Sinjin whom she adored. After retiring in 2001, Lyn helped care for Charlie's parents. In 2008, son Stuart married Danica and gave Lyn the daughter she never had. Granddaughters Sierra and Grace Rosalyn provided a special sparkle to Lyn's eyes and enjoyed all the special things that "Grandma Lyn" enjoyed too like collecting dolls and thimbles. Lyn travelled to Gig Harbor for Grace Rosalyn's birth and ultimately decided it was her desire to stay to be closer to her family there and in Spokane. From 2003 on, Lyn and husband Charlie became each other's caretaker, taking turns helping each other through a multitude of health issues and cancer treatments. Much thanks go to all of Lyn's medical providers who helped her have an extended, good quality of life. Of special note are Dr. Alan Silberman and Dr. Gregory Sarna and the nurses and staff of Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Dr. David Park and all the staff at the Virginia Crosson Cancer Center in Fullerton and Dr. Loren Colman, Connie Werner, Dr. Michael Rieke and all the staff at Multicare and the physical and occupational therapy teams at St. Joseph's in Tacoma, WA, especially Jay, Chris and Nurse Sheila, for their support. Many thanks to the team at Franciscan Hospice as well. Lyn wanted everyone to know that she did not "lose" her battle with cancer. In her heart, she felt she won. She prevailed against every odd ever dealt to her and proved to the world that "life" can offer fantastic moments even in less than optimum circumstances. In typical fashion for Lyn, her final days with us were consumed with concern about others ?" trying to make sure no one worked too hard trying to help her. No words can ever describe the love her family and friends had for her nor can they describe the love she had for them. Lyn was a remarkable woman who favored the accomplishment of "Mom" the most. Mom, you will be forever missed and never forgotten. Funeral Mass will be held on, Thursday, August 20th, 2009 at 11:00 am at the Church of St. Patrick in Tacoma, WA. A reception will follow the service at the Fircrest Golf Club. Interment at Deer Lodge Cemetery in Deer Lodge, MT. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.