Constance "Connie" Morell Jessup

Mrs. Constance (Connie) M. Jessup, 93, of Raleigh, NC died at home on February 6, 2019 after a brief battle with cancer. She was the daughter of the late Nicholas Morell and Mary Chiodo Morell. Mrs. Jessup was born on November 22, 1925 in Niagara Falls, NY. She married her high school sweetheart, the late John W. Jessup Jr., on June 12, 1948. They were married for 67 wonderful years. In addition to her husband, Connie was also preceded in death by her sister, Annette (Netta) Suttell, and her brother, Louis Morell, both of Florida. She is survived by her five children and their families: Kathy (husband, John) Martin of Kennebunk, ME; Brian (wife, Karen) Jessup of Cary, NC; Tim Jessup of Sedona, AZ; Jeff Jessup of Arvada, CO; Marylou (husband, Steve) Petriccione of Raleigh, NC; 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Pauline (Morley) Gavin of Niagara Falls, NY, and several nephews and cousins. Connie was a lyric-coloratura soprano, who graduated in 1948 from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio. She continued her studies in summer programs at Chautauqua and Tanglewood, working under Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copeland. She began performing in Niagara Falls, NY as a radio opera and concert singer. Upon relocating to Poughkeepsie, NY, she served as a soloist and assistant conductor of the Community Mixed Chorus. Connie participated in several chamber concerts at local colleges, and at Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City. Performances took her throughout the Hudson Valley, western New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida. She performed major roles in operatic productions of The Jealous Husband, Barber of Seville, Magic Flute, Madame Butterfly, and many more. Connie was a member of many music organizations throughout her life, including both the Florida and North Carolina State Music Teachers Associations, National Association of Teachers of Singing, and the Music Teachers National Association. She was on the board of what is now the NC Opera and was also an active member of the Raleigh Piano Teachers Association. Her students participated in the annual Young Artist Auditions and always did very well. Connie taught voice and piano privately all of her life, up until a month prior to her passing. At her final home, Atria Oakridge in Raleigh, Connie established the Atria Chorale with her fellow residents, spreading joy throughout the community with her love of music. One of her proudest accomplishments was introducing the piano to a young blind student. This presented Connie with both a challenge and an opportunity to learn how to teach in an entirely new way (at the age of 92!). Throughout her life, Connie’s strong faith in God led her to be an active participant in the music ministries of every parish of which she was a member, including St. Luke the Evangelist, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Churches, and the services at Atria Oakridge. She was a lifelong performer, teacher, and student of music. Quoting one of her close friends: “She had quite an impact on all of us with her positive professionalism, high standards, and life experiences. She had a heart for everyone.” Services will be held on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Mary of the Angels Chapel, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 11401 Leesville Rd. Raleigh NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Connie’s memory to Transitions Life Care (https://transitionslifecare.org). The family is so appreciative of Transitions’ support during Connie’s illness, and especially grateful to Kelli, Mary and Leonidah for their excellent care and compassion during her final weeks.

Constance "Connie" Morell Jessup

November 22, 1925 - February 6, 2019