Ursula Jane Moran

Ursula “Jane” Moran (née Ward), 98, of West Chester, PA and formerly of Melbourne, FL passed away on June 19, 2023.

Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1924, she was the daughter of the late Theodore William and Catherine Veronica (née Hamilton) Ward.

When Jane was a toddler, her family relocated to Upper Darby, where they operated Ward’s, a grocery store and luncheonette, until they moved to Springfield during Jane’s high school years. She graduated from Springfield High School, and completed secretarial school, then numerous certificate and college courses throughout her life.

One of five children, Jane helped raise her nephews, Bill and Tom after her sister, Catherine, passed away at the age of 29. Following Jane’s mother’s death, she became their sole caretaker, ascertaining both completed schooling and further paths to solid careers.

Jane and her husband Lawrence began their 60-year married life briefly in Upper Darby, then Springfield where they started their family. They delighted in moving to “the country,” the then still-rural part of West Chester, to enjoy raising their girls. Jane taught them to cook nutritiously and to garden, and to try to give back to the world the way she did. Jane and Larry’s next adventures took place in Florida for many years, close to some family, the beach and fun Orlando resorts for kids of all ages to visit. To be near their daughters in their autumn years, they returned north to Berwyn, then Jane moved to West Chester following Lawrence’s passing.

Our darling Jane enjoyed music: singing with her lovely voice, and playing the organ and the piano. Jane was a superb dancer, an accomplished seamstress, and a talented crafter. A great hostess, often there would be no party without her exceptional cooking and entertaining. If anyone visited, she made them feel right at home with her hospitality. Jane was lighthearted and witty and loved jokes.  She had an interest in angels, birds, especially pelicans, and had fun people-watching. Her biggest love was her husband, Larry. She enjoyed keeping him healthy and well-dressed, plus traveling together both nationally and internationally. 

Jane loved being immersed in the community, and was involved in many activities including both the church choir and secular musical groups with Larry, ministering to the sick, adoration chapel, and helping coordinate the neighborhood Mass in Florida. She could often be found choreographing community musical events and loved to play videographer and photographer, after overcoming a phase of head-excluding photos.

Jane was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence W. Moran; loving mother of Catherine Moran (Tyrone Pernsley Sr.) and Lois Mastrangelo (Jim Mattia); devoted grandmother of Sean Mastrangelo, Melissa Heindl (Tim), Tyrone Pernsley Jr., Brianna Pernsley and the late Keith Mastrangelo; proud great-grandmother of Derek, Alexis, Harley, Anthony, Jace, Tylah, Everett and Eugene.

She was predeceased by her siblings; Catherine Friday, Ted, May and Jack Ward.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation Thursday, June 29, 2023 11:00 AM-12:00 PM at SS Peter & Paul Church, 1325 Boot Road, West Chester, PA followed by her Funeral Mass 12:00 PM. Interment Private.

Please send any donations to Meals on Wheels of Chester County.  An organization close to our hearts, Meals on Wheels was a godsend during the height of covid, and we really appreciate the ongoing work they do for our seniors.