Gene Englehart Morey

Gene Englehart Morey was surely among the most special, loving, and generous people to have ever graced this earth. She was a woman of boundless love, powerful faith, and timeless elegance. She passed away peacefully on September twenty-sixth, surrounded by her family. Her life was a testament to real love, generosity, and a deep devotion to those she held dear.

Gene was the loving wife of the late Richard Morey; Devoted mother of Scott and wife, Nancy, Dana and wife, Karman, Jay and wife, Carol, Bill and his late husband Chris Tisone; Adored grandmother of Alex (Christina), Reese (Sarah), Lily (Nick), Drake and Jason (Savannah); great grandmother of Christian, Olivia, Gabrielle, Nathaniel, Genevieve, Lorelei and soon to arrive Thaddeus; Daughter of the late Lillian and Jack Englehart; fond aunt of many nieces & nephews. And a dear friend of so many others who became family to Gene over the years.

Gene was born on April 8, 19…… never mind, a lady never tells her age. Gene was raised during the time of the Great Depression and World War II. With both parents needing to work, she was largely running her household before she was 10 years old. Managing the ration books, cooking, and helping to raise her younger sister, Gail. She had to grow up fast, but she developed incredible resilience and grit. Those qualities, paired with her profound sense of responsibility for others whom she could help, shaped a life dedicated to caring for others. This marked Gene's life. She was ready and able to take on anyone's problems as her own. And many who will read this will testify to her remarkable generosity and eagerness to help, to find a way to solve a problem.

It isn't hyperbole to say that Gene had a rare and beautiful effect on people everywhere she went. Her hairdresser would invite her to dinner. The gentleman who did her nails brought his whole family to meet her. The man who drove her to rehab after knowing her for only a few weeks came and cooked her a meal and brought her a wheelchair to help her around the house. Recently, she had a room painted. The painter, after finishing the room and spending time with Gene, refused to charge her. It was like this everywhere she went. Everyone who knew Gene loved her, and Gene loved people in a way that they knew it, felt it, and were strengthened by it.

Gene was truly a mother. She adored her four sons and later their spouses, and lived to ensure that they were cared for and knew they were loved. When her boys were in school, her home was where all the kids wanted to be. She was joyful and fun and treated all the children like they were her own. Nearly every day, for over a decade, her children arrived home from school to some treat that she had baked and had ready for them. Gene always wanted to make the moment special. She was a gourmet cook, and her pies were legendary.

Gene's faith in Jesus was her source of strength and hope. She understood God's love in a profound way and trusted in His goodness and faithfulness in all things. "God is love" was a phrase often on her lips. In her final years, she began to get excited about seeing Jesus face-to-face, and in her last days, she made certain that we all knew she was ready to move on. She was also desperate to be reunited with her husband, Richard.

Gene was married for 67 years to Richard Morey. They were made for each other. They had the kind of marriage we all hope for, where passion never wanes and the years deepen the commitment and love. Together, they dedicated much of their lives to building The Morey Corporation. It took many years of sacrifice and hardship, but they built it into a strong company that has employed thousands of people, all of whom they loved. Richard went to be with Jesus a year and a half ago, and she has ached for him ever since. It isn't surprising that she began her journey to heaven on his birthday. Now they are together with the Lord, and while we are grieving, missing them both terribly, they are rejoicing in the presence of God.

Gene Morey finished her race. She was a faithful daughter, wife, mother, and friend. She loved, she sacrificed, she trusted God, and she poured out her life for others. Now, she is with her Lord, who no doubt greeted her with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant".

Visitation from 4-7 pm on Thursday, October 02 at Leonard Memorial Home, 565 Duane Street in Glen Ellyn. Interment will be private.