Obituary of Winnifred May Morris

Morris, Winnifred May, also know as Maxine, left our midst on June 9. She was pre-deceased by her husband Burt Morris, 5 brothers, 3 sisters, and many close friends. Born in a lovely fishing village in Brixham, South Devon, England, she had a very best friend, Phyllis, and they scampered happily throughout their childhood, and kept in touch for many years thereafter. With their teenage years came World War II and the bombs. Winnie married a Canadian solider and left England for Canada on board the Queen Mary I with her fifteen month old daughter, crossing the then perilous Atlantic Ocean. Her marriage failed but never her courage. With the help of the Blaney family of Maple Ridge, N.B., and the Pierce family of Saint John she first worked in the Comstock helping build ships and planes for the war. Her next and long time career was with Wasson’s Drug Store previously on Sydney Street as a Cosmetologist until her marriage to Burt in 1954 when Winnie, Burt and her daughter Maxine became a family. Her life was full with the best of times and the worst of times and taught us, her family, the true meaning of quiet courage, and her final lesson, dying with grace. Winnie’s wit was sharp and her sense of humor grand. She loved all animals which prompts us to direct any donations in her memory to the Saint John SPCA. A special thank you to Mary Kellier and the McGills (Lyn & Dave), long time neighbors and friends on Lakewood Avenue who cared for and watched over her so lovingly. Also, a fond TTFN (ta ta for now – our favorite family saying) to her Tim Horton’s coffee club ladies she so enjoyed. Winnifred is survived by daughter Maxine; grandchildren Andrew, Victoria, David, Matthew, and Heidi; great grandchildren Sarah, Elizabeth, Nathan, and William; and many nieces and nephew in England. A graveside service in Fernhill Cemetery will be held on Thursday, June 16 at 1:00 pm, with a reception following at Winnie’s house 161 Lakewood Avenue. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, (506) 634-7424.