Rita Mae Morris

Rita Mae Morris, 98, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Rita was a devout Roman Catholic and prayed the rosary daily. She was born in Columbus, OH to Harry & Winifred (Mara) Schwartz on April 11, 1926. She loved being near the water, especially the Gulf of Mexico, family celebrations and making her famous Christmas candy. Her faith, perseverance with grace, resilience, and a great sense of humor will always be remembered. Rita married Joseph F. Morris on September 10, 1949 in Chicago, IL. They spent their last 30+ years together in Bradley and Kankakee. Her biggest joy in life was her family. Rita is survived by her son, Timothy (Susan) Morris of South Haven, MI; daughters, Geraldine (Daniel) Boren of Beecher and Kathleen (Zefin Jr.) Gorecki of Bourbonnais; grandchildren, Zefin III (Kristyn) Gorecki of Bourbonnais, Melissa (John) Duke of Okemos, MI, Ryan (Amy) Gorecki of Bourbonnais, Erin (Andrew) Baittinger of Petoskey, MI, Maggie (Jim) Kuckie of Bourbonnais, and Dominic (Jai) Morris of Aveiro, Portugal. In the last ten years, Rita was blessed with loving her great-grandchildren, Joseph Baittinger, Brynlee Gorecki, Evelyn Duke, Danny Baittinger, Zefin Gorecki IV, Blakelyn Gorecki, Wyatt Baittinger, and Livia Morris and special niece, Nikki Morris of Villa Park and Nikki’s family. Rita is preceded in death by her husband, Joe; infant son; and beloved sister, Margaret Ann Schwartz. We are immensely grateful for the love she showed us, and for the legacy of faith, kindness and strength she leaves behind. Nana’s influence on our lives is immeasurable, and her memory will live on in our hearts. Many thanks to many special caregivers throughout the last years of her life. A visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the 11 a.m. funeral Mass on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at St. Rose of Lima Chapel in Kankakee. Burial will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made for masses or donations to St. Rose of Lima Chapel, Kankakee, or St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Kankakee. Please sign her guestbook at www.clancygernon.com.

Rita Mae Morris

April 11, 1926 - July 9, 2024