Mary Morse passed through this life for 58 years, bidding farewell to the many family and friends at her side in the early morning of May 19, 2006.
She had struggled on and off with cancer since 1998. Her drive to establish support with all medical modalities, be it western, eastern or in between, was remarkable.
Mary was a sage and humorous lesbian from Osage, Iowa, who moved to Chicago in 1975 and worked as a medical technologist.
She was an avid birder, beekeeper, hiker, lover of nature, traveler, stamp collector and country dancer. She was good at building and home repair and was an exceptionally good cook who loved to entertain friends.
Mary was admired for her knowledge and wide range of talents and interests. The courage, strength and positive outlook on life that she carried throughout her illness were an inspiration to all who knew her.
She leaves behind her loving partner, Joanne, and their dog, Smokey, as well as her mother Frances, sister Penney, brother Charles, nieces and nephews and a legion of friends. They will all miss her incredible smile, upbeat energy, generous heart, kindness and grace.
A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, May 27, at 10 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church of Logan Square, 3325 W. Wrightwood, located on the southeast corner of Wrightwood and Kimball. Memorial donations in her honor should be sent to Grace United Methodist Church of Logan Square or The Nature Conservancy, 8 South Michigan Ave., Suite 2301, Chicago, IL 60603.