Mary Lou Morrissey

Mary Lou Morrissey, 91, passed away Monday, August 27, 2018, at Wesley Acres in Des Moines. Visitation will be from 4-7PM, with a vigil service at 7PM, Thursday, August 30, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (305 E Howard St, Colfax, IA 50054). Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 AM, Friday, August 31, 2018, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Farrar, IA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Mercy Hospital School of Nursing Scholarship Program.

Mary Lou was born May 4, 1927, the first child of Raymond J. and Saide Ries. She attended All Saints Catholic Elementary School, Warren Harding Junior High School and graduated from North High School in 1945. Following graduation, Mary Lou attended Mercy School of Nursing and worked for a private physician in Des Moines. Mary Lou married Joseph E. Morrissey on January 21, 1950, and moved to Valeria, IA.

Mary Lou was an active member of Sacred Heart Church in Valeria and later Holy Cross Church in Farrar. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, attending productions at the Des Moines Community Playhouse and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, parents, brother, Jerry and sister, Joan Harvey.

Mary Lou is survived by her four sons, Greg of Kingfisher, OK, Mark of Urbandale, IA, Ries of Slater, IA, Mel of Valeria, IA and her daughter Annette Ross of Peachtree City, GA; 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.