Mary Frances Morris

Mary Frances Morris passed away into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Palm Sunday, March 25, 2018. Mary is best known for her bright blue eyes, quick smile, genuine kindness, and generous heart. She had an eye for art, a knack for gardening, and a tongue for whimsical quips. She was an active member of St. Matthew Catholic Parish of El Paso and loved having coffee with her church friends after Daily Mass. She loved spending time with her friends in El Paso, Las Cruces and Santa Fe, and she will be dearly missed by family, friends, neighbors, and her church community. Born in 1932 in Topeka, Kansas, Mary graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana, and moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she married the late Richard S. Morris and raised four children. As the family moved from Santa Fe to El Paso to Houston then back to El Paso, Mary left a wide path of good friends and selfless acts along the way. During Lent, instead of “giving up something,” Mary intentionally chose to serve others less able during that time. Mary exhibited a sweet and quiet devotion that has bound our family together through the years. Settling in El Paso, Mary made many good friends through St. Matthew Catholic Parish, the Garden Club, and Pro Musica, and regularly enjoyed art and cultural events. Mary especially enjoyed attending Mass, followed by Riviera red enchiladas (extra onions, please!) with her long-time friend Burt Rawlings of Las Cruces. Mary is preceded in death by her father William Thayne Smith, mother Frances Irene Metzger Smith, and sister Therese Smith Anderson. Mary is survived by her brother Patrick Smith; children Daniel (Betsy), Edward (Jessica), Joseph, and Maria (Roger); friend and companion Burt Rawlings; grandchildren Cole Morris and Sarah Severin; and the Anderson family of nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any memorial donations may be made to St. Matthew Catholic Parish, St. Vincent de Paul, or a charity of your own choice. Funeral Mass will be held at 3:00PM on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Burial will be held at a later date in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home West. Please visit our online registry at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.