Laura O. (Oster) Morse

Laura O. Morse 101, of Bedford, died Monday, October 16, 2023.  She was born on September 16,1922 in Bedford, a daughter of the late David F. and Martha (Dawson) Oster.  On October 8,1940 in Cumberland, MD she married Howard E. Morse, who preceded her in death in April 2000.  Her granddaughter Marti Evelsizer also preceded her in death in February 2021. Laura is survived by a son Perry Morse and wife Bonnie, of Newark, DE; two grandchildren: Edward Kain and wife Laura, of Sykesville, MD and Laura Morse and husband Bryan, of Woodinville, WA. She is also survived by Marti’s husband, Mark Evelsizer, of Pittsburgh; and six great-grandchildren: Emily, Maxwell, Mark Jr., Maggie, Patrick, and Eleanor.  She was preceded in death by six brothers, Kenneth, George, David, Allan, Luther, and Richard Oster; and a sister, Bernice Hernley. She was the matriarch of her family and her husband’s family, outliving thirty-two siblings and their spouses. She resided in Briar Valley in Bedford, in the home where she was born, for her entire life except for one year when she and husband Howard lived in Baltimore, MD.  Neighbors affectionately nicknamed her the “Mayor of Briar Valley”.

Laura graduated from Bedford High School and was employed by Lion Manufacturing Company for thirty-three years. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and supported many of its events. She also was a volunteer for the Bedford Village Theater. Her life was characterized by dedication and self-sacrifice for others.  Throughout her life, she incessantly shared her time and many skills to support others. She was an extraordinarily talented seamstress, which was a skill she used to make countless contributions to the community. This included such things as complimentary sewing and tailoring for others, making drapes for peoples’ homes, upholstering furniture, and making alter cloths for the church. She often made her home a sanctuary for extended periods of time for family and friends who were in need and experiencing challenging emotional times in their lives. Laura was adored and admired by her family and the community. She was a strong woman who added energy and spirit to the lives of essentially everyone who knew her. For generations, she routinely made her home a gathering place for holidays and informal neighborly chats. Her strong work ethic and generosity benefitted her family and countless others. Her bright light that we have cherished for many decades will be immensely missed.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 12:00 p.m., in the Chapel, at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with Rev. Raymond E. Short officiating.  Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park.  Friends will be received on Saturday from 11:00 a.m., until the hour of the service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Laura, to Trinity Lutheran Church, 106 Penn St, Bedford, PA 15522 or the Alzheimer’s Association. 

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