Irene Morrison

Irene Morrison left this world Thursday, April 14, 2011, surrounded by her family at home. She lived her life with integrity, courage, compassion and generosity. Born and raised on a farm in Brashear, Missouri, Irene grew up knowing the value of hard work and close family ties. As the only girl and youngest child in her family, Irene was treasured. Her mother (Birdie Moots) instilled in her the love of learning, and the importance of giving to others. Her father (Ray Moots, Sr.) worked the family farm, which Irene has held on to for the fourth generation. She was preceded in death by her brothers Ray Moots, Jr. and Dr. Glenn Moots.

At the age of 16, after graduating early from high school, Irene left Kirksville, Missouri to attend Chillicothe Business College. The following year, 1943, she took a job as a secretary to the Chief Signal Officer in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Although her father was sure she would be home on the first train, Irene stayed and worked in D. C. for three years. She always treasured this time, and remained in contact with several of her colleagues.

Irene attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, where she met and married John D. Morrison. Throughout the following years, they had six children, and lived in Missouri, Illinois, then finally settling in Boulder, Colorado in 1970. She was an active participant in her children’s lives, from scouting to school activities, and much more. After the death of her husband in 1977, Irene went to work at the Economics Institute in Boulder, as a foreign student advisor. Over the next several years, Irene became a friend, mentor, and inspiration to many of her students. She opened her home and heart to them, including them in her family. After retirement, Irene visited several of these former students all over the world. She traveled to many countries in Africa and Asia, Russia, China, and all over the United States, always welcomed by her students, many of whom called her “Mom Irene”.

Irene will be missed by multitudes of friends, from First Presbyterian Church, where she was a member for over 40 years, former students and colleagues from the Economics Institute, neighbors, childhood friends, and many family members. However, she will be most deeply missed by her six children, Kevin (Karma) Morrison, Colin (Janet) Morrison, Cynthia (JP) Stevens, Susan (Mo Fauvel) Morrison, Cheryl (Tim) Spear, and Cathy (Marc) Levinson, 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two nieces who have always been very dear to her, Judy Baumert and Glenda Van Sickle, and two nephews Alan Moots and Dr. Ferrell Moots.

Irene was an inspiring mother. She was committed to her children in a way that gave them deep family roots, while encouraging them to spread their wings and find their own passions. It is truly a testament to her, that all of her children remain closely knit. Irene was a cheerleader and supporter of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She became interested and passionate in whatever activities they choose. Irene was a constant presence at music concerts, jump-rope and rock-climbing competitions, track meets, hockey games, roller-derby bouts, academic honor assemblies- whatever her grandchildren were into- she learned about and supported.

Irene found joy in her family, in big band music and her flowers, the view of the mountains from her front window, hearing her son and grandsons play the piano, watching her children and grandchildren discover the world, and reading the cards and letters from the many, many people who loved her.

She will be forever missed. Contributions in her honor can be made to American Diabetes Association, in honor of Jackson Spear; Heifer International; or Doorways English School for International Women c/o First Pres. Church of Boulder. Online condolences & tributes can be made at www.cristmortuary.com. Memorial services will be at First Presbyterian Church on Thursday, 4/21 at 1 PM. Services will also be held at a later date at Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville, MO. Arrangements under the direction of Crist Mortuary, Boulder, CO.