Jeannette M. Morris

Jeannette Mary (Walmesley-Cotham) Morris of Bellingham passed away peacefully in her home on September 18, 2014 in the loving presence of four of her five children. Jeannette was 96 years old and lived a full and healthy life.

Jeannette was born in Ingatestone, Essex, England on April 11, 1918, to Bertram and Mildred Mary (Chadwick) Walmesley-Cotham. She grew up in Felixstowe, Suffolk, moved to London in 1942, and volunteered for service with the Telecommunications Research Establishment of World War II. It was during the War that she met Thomas Morris who was serving with the Royal Canadian Fleet Air Arm. They married in England on January 27th 1945. Tom and Jeannette moved from England to Toronto in 1946. Throughout their lives they had wonderful adventures and challenges within diverse communities of England, Canada (Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia) and the U.S (Maryland, California, Washington). After Tom's retirement they moved to Lynden in 1974. Following Tom's death in 1993, Jeannette moved to Bellingham.

Jeannette was a devout Catholic, an excellent painter, an avid reader, an expert at cryptic crosswords as well as a devoted, loving wife and mother. She made friends easily and could always be insightful, humorous and witty. Her beliefs helped to give her the fortitude to persevere, which impressed those around her. Her mental abilities were sharp as ever until the end, passing on the same day as her mother did years ago in 1958.

Jeannette was preceeded in death by her brother Lawrence, sister Margaret and nephew David. She is survived by her sister Veronica of Cambridge, Ontario. She will be sadly missed by her five children: Tim of Ottawa, Ontario and ex-wife Michelle Plouffe, Tony and wife Patti of Red Deer, Alberta, Mary and husband Bruce Johnston of Wynndel, British Columbia, Nick and wife Linda of Appledale, British Columbia and Ben and wife Ellen Clark of Bellingham, Washington. Jeannette leaves 18 grandchildren and five great grandchildren in Canada and the U.S. She is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces in Canada, U.S., England, Switzerland and France.

A memorial get-together is planned for October 18th from 1 to 5 pm at Jeannette's home. Friends and neighbors are welcome to drop by.