Morgan P. Crofton

Morgan Patricia Crofton, known to friends and family as "Mo," "Momo" and "Morg," passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2010. She was only 19 years old. Born June 11, 1991 at Florida Hospital in Orlando, Morgan was a forensic medicine major in her freshman year at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. In June, she graduated from Winter Park High School, where her motto in the school yearbook was "Why try to fit in when you were born to stand out?" In high school, she had been a member of the National Honors Society, a competitive lacrosse player, and active in numerous school organizations. From fourth grade on, she had been an altar server at St. James Cathedral in Orlando. She had served as a lifeguard at Rollins College, and she was known to neighbors as a devoted and caring babysitter. Her home church was St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, in Winter Park. The youngest child of Phil and Pat Crofton, of Winter Park, Morgan is remembered by her family as a little sister and daughter with a bright personality, a zest for life and a contagious laugh, always there to listen whenever her older sisters, Megan and Ashley had something to share. They described her as "courageous," "strong," and "hopeful," always willing to take on a challenge and overcome an obstacle. She had devoted part of the last few weeks caring for the puppies born to Mitzy, the family dog, and her own puppy, Berkley, had gone with her to Fort Myers as a companion while she began her studies. "Morgan would drop anything, anytime to help anyone," said her family. "We will know our precious "˜Momo' is with us every time someone does a kind deed or a bright full moon lights up the dark sky. She is with us every time one of our smiles lights up the room or when we put others before ourselves or when we experience the joy of adventure and discovery. And she is with us when we take the time to see the good in everyone." Her friends remember the creed that she carried through life, based on a quote from educational psychologist William W. Purkey: "... dance like no one is watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like no one is listening, and live like it's heaven on earth." Morgan's family, parents Phil and Pat Crofton and sisters Megan and Ashley, invite her friends, neighbors and classmates to remember her life. The Wake will be held Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on September 27, 2010, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 526 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789 (407-647-3392), with prayer service staring at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, 11:00 a.m., at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Morgan Crofton Memorial Fund at Give Kids the World Village, 210 South Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746. (http://www.givekidstheworld.com, 1-800-995-KIDS). "Morgan, we will love you forever. We will love you for always. As long as we're living, our baby you will be." . Arrangements entrusted to DEGUSIPE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY 9001 N. Orlando Ave. Maitland, FL 32751, 407-695-CARE, www.DeGusipeFuneralHome.com

Morgan P. Crofton

June 11, 1991 - September 23, 2010