NORWICH – Margaret C, Morris, 72, completed her life on Feb. 7, 2007. The Morris family celebrates her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and teacher. Born March 29, 1934, Margaret was the oldest of four children of Ralph and Dorothy Chase residing in North Hoosick After graduating from Hoosick Falls H.S., she attended Oneonta State Teacher’s College and graduated cum laude in 1955. She met her husband Richard W. Morris while in Oneonta and they were married in the summer of 1955. While living in Gilbertsville, on her husband’s family farm, she taught second grade in Sidney. After moving to New Berlin, she gave birth to three children, Thomas, Carol and Brenda, and stayed home to raise her family. A final move brought the family to Norwich, where she lived, worked, and retired until her last day.
Known to her family and friends as Peg, she returned to teaching in 1968 at Sherburne-Earlville as a third-grade teacher, completed her master’s of education degree, and remained at Sherburne until her retirement in 1997. Not to remain idle, she became an avid flower gardener, accomplished quilter, family genealogist, and active volunteer at the Broad Street United Methodist Church in Norwich. Her presence at the YMCA morning aquatic aerobics and the sight of her lapping the home driveway will be remembered as inspiration. Her even temperament, Christian values, family dedication, quiet intelligence, and work ethic demonstrated a purpose-driven lifestyle and a fulfilled life.
Peg is survived by her husband of 52 years, Richard W. Morris of Norwich. Three children and their families, Thomas and Lynn Morris of Sherburne, Carol and Skip Bozzo of Port Saint Lucie, Fla., and Brenda and Matt Lagoe, of Sherburne. Six grandchildren. Marshall, Taylor, Samuel, Sierra, Elijah, and Cooper, all love grandma. She was predeceased by her brother Charles Chase in 2006 of North Hoosick. A brother, Richard Chase resides in Montana, and her sister Edna Crandall, resides in Troy, with her daughter, and Peg’s niece, Rebecca. Her brother-in-law Rutherfurd Morris is from Gilbertsville, and his sons, John and Jim, also reside in Gilbertsville. Grand-nephews Jason and Joshua Morris live with their families in Norwich. Grand-nephews Robert and Charlie Morris reside in Oneonta. A grand-niece Faith Morris resides in Delhi.
Once a teacher, always a teacher, Margaret viewed education as life’s most valued gift. Those who wish to honor the life of Peg Morris, read a book to your child, enable a life of learning to someone you love, and make a difference. Donations can be given to the Broad Street United Methodist Church for Children’s Education, 74 North Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815.
Funeral services for Peg will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home of Norwich. The Rev. Jeff Hale, pastor of the Broad Street United Methodist Church, will officiate. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in the All Saints Cemetery located in the Town of Morris.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.