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Ilene Morrison Obituary
Ilene Montana Morrison, April 25 1932 to Aug. 5 2009, born Ilene Garfield in Chicago, Illinois she later moved to Los Angeles, CA. From the age of five, her only goal in life was to be an Artist. She graduated from LA High, and attained a BA in Psychology from UCLA. She married Howard Morrison. They settled in Highland Park Illinois where they had 3 children: Lauren Ann, Robert Scott and Julie Wynn. After a divorce in 1970 she moved to Chicago where she attended the School of the Art Institute and earned a BFA and an MFA and won a Fellowship in Environmental Art. Montana met Bill Dixon in the fall of 1981 and they have remained faithful partners ever since. After over 30 years in Chicago, Montana and Bill moved to Red Bluff, CA in 2007. Montana has been a lifelong fine artist, and has produced thousands of paintings that hang in collections all over America and Europe. Gallery 1633, her Chicago gallery, remained in business for over 20 years. Her current gallery is the
Montana Morrison Gallery and Museum in Red Bluff. Montana is survived by her partner Bill Dixon and his daughter Martha
Dixon; her three children, Lauren Ann
Boswell, Robert Scott Morrison and Julie Wynn Fitzgibbons; her four grandchildren, Orion DeRose, Jeffrey and Tracey Morrison, and Tyler Michelle Fitzgibbons; her sister
Mickey Caplan, her half-brother Mike
Garfield, half-sister Alexis Garfield, and her stepsister JL Kutok; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Her beloved dogs
Suzie, Beanie, Ewok and especially Bubba will also miss her. A Memorial Celebration of Montana's life is planned for Saturday, Aug. 29 from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Marriott O'Hare, 8535 W. Higgins, Chicago, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Montana's love of animals with a donation to the Tehama County Animal Shelter, 1830 Walnut, Red Bluff, CA 96080 or to your local animal shelter.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ilene Morrison
Mark & Katie Bailie
November 13, 2009
Unfortunately my daughter and I never met Montana; however, the condominium she owned in San Luis Obispo is where we have lived for the last 19 months. I only found out about her passing this afternoon when her property manager called to say I should not be surprised if we have to move soon. I doubt Montana ever lived here, but I'm sure she would have found inspiration for her artistic endeavors. Katie (aged 10) and I have loved living here and will be sad to leave once Montana's heirs have found a buyer. If it weren't for owning our own home in another town, we'd certainly give consideration to purchasing. It's always sad to lose a loved one... I and my daughter are losing our wife and mother, which is why we moved closer to my work. It's no fun losing a residence either. Should someone out there be able to provide copies of Montana's art work, please forward to [email protected]. I hope all who loved Montana will consider this a note of sympathy, for clearly that is its intent. Be well all. Sincerely, Mark & Katie.
Kathy Benner
August 28, 2009
I am good friends with one of her daughter Lauren. She was an inspiration to life and living fully. She was open to new ideas and fun to be around. She was a good example for everyone that life can be fun and rewarding. Live your passion. Do what you believe and be yourself.
Colleen Thornton
August 23, 2009
I am Colleen Thornton. I took classes with Montana. She was a divinely inspired person, artist, and teacher with great success in life.
August 21, 2009
I will always remember the vivacious, fun-loving pretty little girl I knew long ago in Evanston, Il. I am a cousin through marriage and have been out of touch personally for many years, but was kept up to date through relatives. I hope she is always painting beautiful pictures that we will see when we meet again. Deepest sympathy to the family with love, Cousin Dotte Sayre
Kristy Pokorny
August 19, 2009
Montana was a wonderful art teacher and an exciting and delightful person. I will miss her spirit and loving kindness.
I took classes with Montana for several years in Highland Park and have one of her paintings...all that energy lives on in her art work.
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
August 19, 2009
Montana was a brilliant artist and a great friend. I'm sure that last nights sunset was her idea fromw heaven!
shari Lemonnier
August 19, 2009
Montana was a brilliant artist and a great friend. I'm sure that last nights sunset was her idea fromw heaven!
Paula Fischer
August 18, 2009
My name is Paula Fischer. Montana was a wonderful artist, but more than that she was a great, generous and gentle woman.
She made room in her home for me because my daughter Morgan was ill at birth and I was released from the hospital before she was. Her home was in walking distance from the hospital so I could be with here all day until her release.
She is in my heart and will be greatly missed.
With much fondness and sorry...
Paula Fischer
Lisa Morrison Velazquez
August 17, 2009
Auntie Ilene was a sweet, loving and fun person. She could see who we were and gave us loving sweet memories. My love of art began with gifts from her. She knew I would love it before I did. May her memory be for a blessing. We are thinking of you all and sending you our loving and peaceful thoughts.
Melanie Villines
August 17, 2009
Most of all, I will miss my lengthy discussions with Montana. Montana was a great intellect – well versed in many subjects and fascinating to talk to, thanks to her vast range of knowledge, intense opinions, and amazing insight. Montana loved to read almost as much as she loved to paint. Over the years, she built an impressive library – and cherished her thousands of volumes as if they were her offspring. I will miss Montana’s friendship every day, but have found a way to stay close. Each time I open a book, I now invite her to read with me. Ciao for now, Montana. Bella Bella. With love from Melanie.
Don Michael Prange
August 17, 2009
Very sorry for your loss. May the Lord keep you all close and ease the burden of sorrow.
Sincerely, Don Michael and Connie Prange
Al&Donna Heinz
August 17, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
August 16, 2009
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marjorie Curl
August 16, 2009
We miss you Montana and the gallery and our art life will never be the same without you in it. We so enjoyed our time sharing your art and talking about your approach and love of painting. Marjorie and Gene Curl
August 16, 2009
I love and miss you Montana. You were a unique and wonderous mother and artist. The world is a less colorful place without you.
Your loving and devoted son Scott
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