Donna Margaret Morris

Donna Margaret Morris, age 87, passed away on Monday, December 5, 2016 at her home at The Gardens of Hartford. She was born on August 27th, 1929, to Guy and Lucille (Cox) Reed, in New Auburn, Wisconsin. Donna was the beloved eldest of nine siblings, and she was raised on a farm near New Auburn. After being educated in Chippewa County Schools, Donna graduated from New Auburn High School in 1947. Donna continued her education as she attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, graduating with a teaching diploma in 1949. Donna taught in Chippewa County Schools for five years before returning to UW-Eau Claire, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1955. With this degree, Donna taught in Eau Claire Unified Schools from 1955 – 1961.

On August 19th, 1961, Donna married Stanley Morris and moved to Racine. They lived on a small farm near Racine, where they raised their three children.

After Stanley’s death on April 5th, 1981, Donna returned to school at Gateway Technical College to study nursing. She became a registered nurse in 1986, and practiced nursing at Becker Shoop Center in Racine for 21 years. Donna retired at the age of 78, in 2007. Over the years, Donna was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church and Franksville United Methodist Church in Racine, Wisconsin.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, brother Bill, and two infant siblings, Jack and Elizabeth, as well as her husband, Stanley. She is survived by three children, Sally (Kevin) Jude of Hartford, Wisconsin, John (Kari) Morris, of Shell Lake, Wisconsin, and Lisa (Sean Park) Morris of Cary, Illinois. Donna is also survived by eight grandchildren: Molly, Alex, Ethan, and Olivia Jude; Samantha Morris; Wyatt Noethling, and Richard and Riley Park. Donna (Grandma) will be missed, but her impact as a sweet sister, strong and independent mother, loving grandmother, and cherished friend will live on.

Funeral services for Donna will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2016, 11:00 A.M. at Christ Church United Methodist, 5109 Washington Avenue, with Rev. George Kafer officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family Saturday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:00 A.M. Interment will be held at West Lawn Cemetery in Racine. A luncheon in Fellowship Hall at the church will follow the service and all are welcome to visit and remember a beautiful life. Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Donna’s family would like to thank the loving staff at The Gardens of Hartford and Season’s Hospice for their support and care of their dear mother and grandma.