Muriel M. "Moonie" Morley, 93, Ogdensburg

OGDENSBURG -- A Memorial Service for Muriel M. “Moonie” Morley, 93, of Ogdensburg, will be held at the St. Joseph’s Nursing Home Chapel at a date and time to be announced.

Mrs. Morley died on Friday, April 26th, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Nursing Home with her family at her bedside.

Arrangements are under the direction of Frary Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Moonie was born on May 26, 1930, in Massena, NY.

She was the daughter of the late Cecil Clarence and Myrtle Agnes (Lefebvre) Wood. Moonie left school after the 6th grade to help with her younger siblings and to help on the family farm. Moonie finally got her GED at the age of 56.

She went to Paul Dean’s Beauty School in Syracuse, while in school she worked for General Electric to pay for her training. After finishing beauty school, she was hired by Gladys Richmond in Ogdensburg at Richmond’s Beauty Salon, she would buy the business on April 24, 1964 and operate it until her retirement in 1995.

Moonie did Joan Crawford’s (the actress) hair when she came to Ogdensburg to open the Pepsi Bottling Plant with her then husband. Moonie also did famous ice skater Peggy Fleming’s hair when she was in town.

In November of 1953 she married David Morley, their marriage would end in divorce.

In 1966 she met John “Jack” Griffith, who became her life partner, they were together for 45 years. Together they owned the J & M Antique Shop in Ogdensburg. Jack was Crissy’s best friend and partner in crime, she loved him dearly.

While operating her beauty salon, she was a founding member of the D.O.E.R.S. club, the Downtown Ogdensburg Energetic Retailers. She was one of the original founders of the Ogdensburg Seaway Festival, a former member of the Ogdensburg Garden Club, The Frederick Remington Museum, the Altar Rosary Society, The National Hairdressers Association and the Seaway Festival Committee.

Moonie had a giving spirit, she loved to help people. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her life.

Moonie will always be remembered for her love of reminiscing old Ogdensburg, dancing, gardening, antiquing, reading and most of all her hats.

She passed her love of God and great faith in Him. All things are possible and for praying the rosary. She will be missed more than words can say.

She is survived by her daughter, Cris Rishe and her husband, Stephen of Ogdensburg, her grandchildren, Jadie Rishe and his wife, Heather of Ogdensburg and Jessie Hill and her husband, Chris of Ogdensburg. Her great-grandchildren; Adreannah and Luca Rishe and Scarlette Hill also survive her, along with Moonie's sister; Mary Jane Gardner and her husband, Francis of Massena.

She was predeceased by her parents; Clarence and Myrtle Wood, her brother, Clarence C. “Butch” Wood Jr., and her sisters; Ruby Irvin, Beverly Leonard, Betty Jean Wood, Sandy Allen, Patti Reid and Rita Rolfe.

Donations in Moonie’s memory may be made to the St. Lawrence Valley SPCA P.O. Box 594 Ogdensburg, NY 13669.

Online condolences may be made at www.FraryFuneralHome.com.