Mary Morrison

1932 - 2026

Mary Morrison died on Saturday, March 14 at the age of 93, following a period of illness. She was lovingly accompanied in her last days by her children, Ian and Leila Morrison, her daughter-in-law Jules Eckersley, and her grandchildren, Amelia and Jasper Morrison.

Mary was born in Wichita, Kansas and grew up in nearby McPherson. She graduated from McPherson College with a bachelor of science and moved to Ohio, where she taught at Lake Erie college. Her education continued at Ohio State University, where she earned a master’s degree in microbiology. With encouragement from her professors, she enrolled in a Ph.D. Program at the University of Chicago. It was at the International House in Hyde Park that she met Charles Morrison, an anthropology graduate student, who she married in 1962.

They started their married life in Rochester, New York, where their children were born. The family then settled in East Lansing, Michigan, which was home for 36 years. Mary continued to work in scientific research at Michigan State University and contributed to scholarship in microbiology, immunology, and surgery. 

In retirement, the lure of their grandchildren brought Mary and her now late husband Charles to Oak Park in 2006. A life long musician who had played the violin, French horn, piano, organ, and carillon, Mary joined the Unity Temple choir and was an active member for several years.

Mary led a full and adventurous life.  She and her husband traveled the world extensively, including living in India for two lengthy stints for Charles’ fieldwork in anthropology. After the kids left home, Mary learned sailing and navigation. She and Charles raced a Flying Scot on Portage Lake and explored the Great Lakes.

Mary was kind, generous, curious, creative, and devoted to her family. She will be greatly missed.

 Details on a celebration of life are forthcoming.