Donald Morley, 92, charged with suffocating murder of Jean Morley in Canberra

Friends of an elderly Canberra woman who was allegedly suffocated by her husband have shared their heartbreak about her death as details of an alleged murder suicide note emerge. WARNING: Distressing content.

Jean Morley was allegedly murdered by her husband Donald Morley at their Fisher home in Canberra. Picture: Contributed

An elderly woman who was allegedly suffocated to death by her husband has been remembered for her fun personality after her body was discovered inside her Canberra home.

Residents on the quiet street in Fisher were left devastated to learn Jean Morley, 92, had died after being allegedly murdered by her husband of 69 years Donald Morley on Sunday, according to police.

The 92-year-old husband was charged with murder on Tuesday after her body was discovered by a health care worker on Monday afternoon.

He faced ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday where defence lawyer Nathan Deakes withdrew his bail application.

The court heard Morley would be released from emergency detention at the Canberra Hospital and will be taken to the Alexander Maconochie Centre to be under 24-hour monitoring.

Jean Morley in her earlier years. Picture: Contributed

“It’s a tragic situation,” Magistrate Jane Campbell said as she adjourned the matter to August 11.

Neighbours of the Morleys said the English couple moved to their street in the 1970s and were quite social.

Some residents spoke of how Morley would often chat to them during his walks along their street while others said Mrs Morley was more of a homebody.

Donald and Jean Morley’s Fisher home. Picture: ACT Policing

One friend who knew the couple for decades said Mrs Morley was always “lots of fun” and enjoyed entertaining guests at their home.

They said they were “still shocked” at the allegations and always believed the couple were devoted to each other.

Detectives will allege in court Morley let the care worker into their home about 2.30pm and told her “I have done a terrible thing”.

Donald Morley was mentioned in the ACT Magistrates Court on August 2. Picture: NewsWire / Gary Ramage

It’s alleged by police the carer discovered Mrs Morley lying in their bed with her mouth open and without her top dentures.

The carer asked the elderly man what happened and he allegedly said “I suffocated her with a pillow last night” and stated he tried to take his own life.

Morley walked back to the bedroom and sat next to his dead wife and said “that’s her there, my angel”.

A note found by police in their kitchen read “please don’t call this ‘murder’-suicide”.

“After 69 years married we were both afraid of the future. Sorry to upset all our family + friends, this wasn’t easy for me, especially my darling,” the note continued.

No obvious signs of injury consistent with self defence or a fight were found in the home by police.