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Morrison, Gloria Marie
GLORIA MARIE MORRISON
(nee Hamilton)
Memorial services were held for Gloria M. Morrison (nee Hamilton) age 79 of Bainbridge Twp last Saturday at St. Christopher's by-the-River Episcopal Church in Gates Mills where she was a member. Gloria was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 11, 1928 and passed away peacefully on August 6, 2008.
Gloria was a long term resident of her beloved Chagrin Valley. She spoke fondly of her years growing up in Bainbridge on Lake Lucerne with her two brothers Bob and Bill Hamilton. During the summers of WWII her family followed their father, Elvin A. Hamilton, to Philadelphia where she spent some very memorable teenage years. She and her husband Cedric retired to Landrum, South Carolina for 15 years, only to return to Chagrin Falls in 1998 to be close to their family and friends. Gloria's primary love and activity were her involvement in the lives of her four sons and, later in life, her seven grandchildren.
She was a 1945 graduate of Bainbridge Township School and graduated from Hiram College with a degree in education. She began her career as one of the unique young emergency teachers who served in the classroom before her degree was completed. The efforts of these young teachers curbed the teacher shortage crisis the United States experienced in the late 40s and early 50s. Even during her retirement with Cedric in South Carolina, she continued to contribute to the education of young people as a substitute teacher in the local school system. Teaching was a life-long passion for her. She spoke often of Former First Lady Barbara Bush's initiative to improve literacy and, as a result, provided tutoring services to help young children learn to read and write.
In raising four boys only four years apart in age, her life was peppered with scraped knees, broken bones and the hard edges of a boy's life. Yet she managed to somehow soften those edges, keep order, and teach them kindness and compassion throughout her life. She was an avid "soccer mom," only it was football and wrestling that defined her life during her sons' high school years. She remained a football fan, cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns.
In addition to being a homemaker, Gloria worked in many other capacities during her lifetime. She obtained her real estate sales license and provided administrative support at Morrison & Morrison Realtors, and worked as a salesperson at Koenig Sporting Goods. She was socially active in the community and touched many lives through her endless volunteer work with many organizations. She served as District Chairperson for the United States Pony Clubs and, along with her husband, was an active member in the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club. She volunteered at the Chagrin Falls Historical Society and with the St. Christopher's Women's Guild. She had many friends and especially enjoyed her gatherings with the Embroidery Ladies.
Survivors are her sons Bruce (Anne) Morrison and Brian (Anna) Morrison of South Russell, Gary (Kathy) Morrison of Bainbridge and grandchildren Bennett, Elizabeth, Laura, Jillian, Eric, Rebecca and Mikayla. She was preceded in death by her husband Cedric W. Morrison, son Scott Morrison, and brothers Robert and William Hamilton.
Gloria will be remembered for the wisdom she imparted, the unconditional, unwavering love she showed her family and friends, and the strength and decorum with which she lived her life.
Friends may join the family this Saturday, August 16, 2008 at the graveside for a brief internment service at Evergreen Cemetery in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
Memorial donations may be made to the Chagrin Falls Historical Society, 21 Walnut Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022, or, to honor Gloria's years as a teacher, contributions may be made in her memory to the Center for International and Intercultural Education (CIIE), Kent State University, 215 White Hall, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001.
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