St. Louis Cremation - Screen Shot 2015-03-23 at 2.32.12 PM

Mary E. Morris

Mary Eleanor Morris (nee Waters), formerly of St. Joseph, MI, passed away peacefully, Sunday March 22, 2015, surrounded by family.

Born in Saginaw, Michigan to Dorothy C. Schmidt Waters and John W. Waters, Mary grew up in Lansing, Michigan. She graduated with a degree in Human Ecology from Michigan State University in 1943 and after a residency at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, IL, became a practicing Dietician at South Haven Community Hospital, South Haven, Michigan.

Mary settled in St. Joseph, Michigan where she raised her family and joined the State of Michigan Department of Social Services where she enjoyed a 30 year career.

Mary is survived by three children, Michael Lee Benner (Doreen) of Los Angeles CA, Thomas Benner (Grace) of St. Louis, MO, and Susan Benner Hooker (Dennis) of St. Louis, MO, four grandchildren, Christine Sisul, (Matt), Joseph Hooker, Elizabeth Tuffli (Jason), Michael G. Benner (Beth) and four great grandsons, Joshua Sisul, Andrew, Evan, and Grant Tuffli.

A Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, 7316 Balson Ave., University City, MO, 63130 on Saturday, March 28, 2015. Visitation at 10:00 A.M. and Mass at 11:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MSU Alumni Association Endowment Fund, or the Greater St. Louis MSU Alumni Club Spartan Scholarship Challenge, all located at https://www.givingto.msu.edu/gift/

7 Comments

  1. Roni O'Connor on March 23, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    Tom,
    I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Hugs,
    Roni



  2. John & Jennifer MacDonald on March 23, 2015 at 4:36 pm

    Reading this beautiful obituary, we would have loved to have known her. Sounds like an incredible lady and especially fun hearing about how youthful she kept herself until she passed…Michael, Tom and Susan (and families), in the words of Winnie the Pooh, “How lucky I am to have something, that makes saying ‘good-bye’ so hard.”…Our condolences and may you be at peace knowing you were lucky to have had such a special lady to love! XOXO



  3. Linda Slawson Coleman on March 23, 2015 at 6:37 pm

    My prayers and thoughts are with Mary and her family at this time. I have the fondest memories of “Mrs. Benner” and time spent at here home! She was so sweet and kind hearted! I’m sure she will be missed by many.

    Linda Slawson Coleman



  4. Scott and Sara Dibiosso on March 23, 2015 at 7:40 pm

    I’m so sorry my thoughts and prayers are with you . I will miss aunt Mary she could always light a room. She was a wonderful person and a great part of my life.Love the Dibiosso family



  5. Mary DePotter on March 24, 2015 at 8:58 am

    Dear Susan, Thomas and Michael:
    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a blessing it was for her to lead such a full and long life! You and your families will be in my thoughts and prayers.
    On a lighter note, I am sure Dad is glad to have her up there with him!
    Love,
    Mary DePotter



  6. Diane Sjoberg on March 27, 2015 at 2:20 pm

    Sue,Michael,Tom and families,We were so sorry to read of your Mom’s passing….Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers
    Love, Diane & Jerry Sjoberg



  7. Jim & Jan McCausland on March 28, 2015 at 10:18 am

    Dearest Friends – We believe that nothing or no one rooted in love is ever lost, for it has become a living part us! Relish those memories that will remind you of your mom. Some may be a silly as I word she used, food she either greatly liked or disliked and even “her way” about completing a task…. Hold tight to her memories and they will keep her alive through you and the family.



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