Sheila Morgan of Vineyard Haven died on June 12 after a brief illness. Born in Marblehead in 1928, she was the widow of Guion Case Morgan, grandson of the famed founder of the Algonquin Hotel in New York city.

She was a longtime resident of the Vineyard, first coming here as a new bride in 1952, then as a summer resident until she moved here permanently in 1988. Prior to that she raised her family in Lawrenceville, N.J., where her husband taught at the prestigious Lawrenceville School. She was a larger-than-life figure on the Island, working as a therapist and author of the recently published book Pieces of the Puzzle. Active in the self-help movement from the 1970s she devoted her life to enriching the planet and the lives of those she touched. Her humor and generosity of spirit were apparent to anyone who met her. Her presence will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughter Lee Megna and son in law Tom Megna and their children, Kate, Ben and Colin; daughter Hilary Morgan and daughter in law Robin Dublin; son David Morgan and daughter in law Janice Cyr and his stepchildren Ryan, Kyle, Kerry and Shane, and a large extended family on and off the Island.

A memorial celebration of her life is planned for Oct. 2 on the Vineyard; details will be published in a future edition of the Gazette. Donations in Sheila’s memory may be made to her favorite causes Beyond War at beyondwar.org , and Global Community at globalcommunity.org.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole amd Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.