Nancy Morrison

Nancy V. Morrison was born on May 11, 1928, to Elsbeth and Arthur G. Olson. She graduated from Laurel School in 1946 and attended Hollins College in Virginia before marrying Jack Morrison in 1949, who loved her since they met in the seventh grade. Nancy is survived by her three children, Betsy Marcotte Lloyd Feinberg of Great Falls, Virginia, John A. Jay Morrison of Kingman, Arizona, and Virginia Ginny Morrison Daniel Anker of Kirtland, Ohio. She also has two grandchildren, Michael Morrison Marcotte of Washington, DC, and Avery Claire Morrison Glassman of Kirtland and Shaker Heights, Ohio. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren and very proud of their achievements. They loved her and learned much from her, particularly about how to enjoy life. Her sister, Susannah O. Reichert of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and nine nieces and nephews also survive her. Jack passed away in November of 2010, and her other sister Alice O. Howard died in 1996. Nancy loved life with a zest that was as contagious as it was charismatic. She was really defined by love for the people in her life with whom she shared an unending sense of humor and sense of fun. Always ready to party, she was able to make everyone want to be a part of the fun. She made everything special, just by showing up. She loved holidays and all the trappings that go with them, especially Christmas and Easter, . . . and Halloween . . . and Thanksgiving . . . and New Years . . . and . . . ! She had a special conspiratorial knack of making people feel like they were in on something with her, a special secret or a practical joke. A wonderful confidante, a great friend, everyone felt comfortable confiding in her and seeking shelter with her kind and generous heart. As her children were growing up, other kids gathered at their home and included Nancy in all their conversations, hopes and dreams. Nancy worked for ClevelandÕs Best and Company and later for the U.S. Census Bureau, where she helped Òbring inÓ the 1970 census. She was a dedicated volunteer for many causes, including Project Learn and ClevelandÕs Goodrich-Gannet Neighborhood Center. Nancy also held numerous retail positions including working with her sister Susie at the Crabtree and Evelyn store in Beachwood Mall. No stranger to malls and retail environments, she was a talented and enthusiastic shopper and was always able to find the perfect gifts for everyone whether it was an obscure gadget or a bit of whimsy. Even after walking became too difficult for her, she continued to shop by honing her Internet skills. Shopping with her was so much fun - a party in itself. Her daughters remember wonderful trips downtown on the rapid transit and yummy turkey lunches at WoolworthÕs, where Nancy passed her shopping skills on to the next generation. a�a� Extraordinarily competent in so many ways, Nancy was a champion gardener, keen bridge player, top drawer homemaker always on the cutting edge with the latest in convenience foods, bowler of some repute, and great financial manager and master bookkeeper. Her six-ring notebook with dividers included sections for gifts to get, groceries, recipe and news clippings, decorating, garden planning, and all kinds of to-do lists depending on the season. She was a seamstress par excellence and taught tailoring for many years. She designed and sewed Betsy's entire college wardrobe, a down sleeping bag with interior baffles for JayÕs many outdoor adventures, a smoking jacket for Grandpa, many twin outfits for her girls, and countless other creations. Also a skilled and enthusiastic hostess, she was always planning for the next party, be it for the Superbowl, the Kentucky Derby, the new millennium, or just a special dinner for a friend in need of cheering up. No corner was ever cut or detail left undone. Nancy loved staying current with new technology, even starting her own Facebook page. She was an avid reader all her life, and read every page of the newspaper every day, dallying with the crossword as time permitted. She was always one step ahead of everyone else on current events. A big fan of UKÕs royals, Nancy got up very early to ÒattendÓ the recent royal wedding. A passionate traveler, she saw many destinations with Jack including the Panama Canal, Greece, Hong Kong, Kyoto, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Holland, and many places in the United States and Canada. One of their favorite spots was Lock #7 of the Welland Canal that runs between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The whole family enjoyed vacationing together, including many summers at Ipperwash Beach on Lake Huron, a six-week camping adventure around the western states when the kids were small, as well as sailing trips in the Bahamas and Virgin Islands once the kids were grown. Nancy faced a�numerous health challenges for the last 30 years of her life. She didn't let them get her down and preferred to hide the pain and suffering behind her laughter. She fought fiercely to live a whole and meaningful life, right up to the very end, and shared her love so generously with all who were lucky enough to know her. Those who wish may make contributions in her name to the Lake Metroparks Equine Center Ð 8800 Euclid Chardon Road Ð Kirtland, OH 44094. Nancy wanted to do something to support the program that had become such a source of joy and support for her daughter Ginny, her principal caregiver and tireless advocate for many years. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, October 15th @ 4pm in the auditorium of Judson Park, entrance on 1801 Chestnut Hills Drive Ð Cleveland Heights, Ohio Ð 44106. Friends and family are invited to a reception after the service to linger and share memories.


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