Priscilla Paxton

Priscilla G. (Morrell) Paxton

Priscilla G. Morrell Paxton, 88, of Spring Township, went to be with the Lord and her family on Saturday, September 3, 2016. She was the wife of the late Joseph E. Paxton who passed away March 16, 2003. They shared 32 years of love, laughter, music and travel adventures.

Born in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, on January 29, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Michael Gregory and Demitria M. (Anthony) Morrell. She was raised in Pottsville as a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and graduated from Pottsville High School in 1945. Priscilla was a member of the Business and Professional Women's Association.

Priscilla had an interesting employment history in several cities including Washington, DC where she worked for the government. She especially delighted in her position as Executive Secretary to the Managing Director at The Carlyle Hotel in New York City for 15 years, retiring in 1993. During her hotel career, Priscilla was recognized for outstanding service at both the Waldorf Astoria and the Carlyle.

Priscilla and Joe spent many wonderful years in New York City where they loved to entertain and were pleased to count noted American artists and musicians among their many friends. Priscilla and her friends Fikrinur, Edie, Armida, and Esha were the "ladies who lunched." They worked and played together and Priscilla treasured their friendship. Priscilla and Joe, music lovers and avid readers, greeted visitors to their homes in New York and Berks County with the classical music and opera which they loved and their homes were filled with books.

Priscilla loved animals, had a fondness for owls and a dedication to her dogs. Known to her family by her Greek name Aspasia, she was fluent in Greek and cherished her heritage; she proudly told the story of her parents' arrival at Ellis Island.

Priscilla was preceded in death by her brothers, Peter G. Morrell and Leo G. Morrell and her sister Pauline G. Morrell. She is survived by her brother-in-law Albert H. Paxton of Iowa; grandnieces Katina S. Krize of Muhlenberg Township and Tambria A. Sassor of Tampa, Florida; and a grandnephew, Tony M. Syrellis also of Tampa, Florida; her cousins Sophia and Mary Anthony of Shamokin; and her husband's nieces.

Priscilla loved having a good cup of coffee with neighbors and friends including Judy, Dyane, Bob, and Pam. Priscilla was a sparkling conversationalist and entertained her large, loving circle of friends with great wit and humor. Among them are Shirley M. Bender of Wyomissing, Mary Lou Kline of Alsace Township, Debra Gaenzle of Mohnton, Nancy Bieber of Lancaster County, and Sallie Richardson of Atlanta, Georgia. We convey our gratitude to Priscilla's caregivers: her "angel" Valerie, her aides Tammy and Angie, and the staff of the Reading Hospital.

Friends may call at the Bean Funeral Home, 3825 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring, on Wednesday, September 14, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Priscilla's pastor, The Reverend Karl L. Kern of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, will lead her funeral service at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be in the Charles Baber Cemetery, 1400 West Market Street, Pottsville, on Thursday, September 15, at 2:00 p.m. Those who would like to celebrate Priscilla's life and honor her memory are invited to send a contribution to either the Reading Area Community College Scholarship Fund, 10 South 2nd Street, Reading, PA 19601 or to a charity of their choice. Online condolences are welcomed at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.