Elizabeth Morris

Elizabeth “Liz” Morris peacefully completed her 92-year journey on May 23rd.  Liz was born in New Brunswick and grew up in Newark during the Great Depression as part of her family’s first generation in America.  While she often joked that she and her nine siblings sometimes shared a single pea for dinner, her upbringing made her resilient and fostered a lifelong devotion to family, including a special bond with her five sistersthat remained throughout their lives.  She was an outstanding athlete in her youth and was the first in her family to learn to drive.  

Liz began working at an early age and met the love of her life,Hayden Morris, at the Thomas Toy factory.  They exchanged countless letters during his service in the Korean War and upon his return were rarely apart from each other.  They married and moved to Carteret, where they had two children, Nancy and Rusty, before settling in Edison to build a life together.  Over the years, their house was constantly filled with the laughter of relatives and friends, along with many pets and good memories. Although her time with Hayden was too brief, he was never far from her heart.  Liz loved her children deeply and later found new joy as a best friend to her four grandchildren as “Umma.”

Liz worked for several decades at Ever Ready Packaging in Bloomfield, a family business originally started with her husband.  Although she experienced many fond times there, she most treasured the years spent working with her son.  Liz was askillful bowler well into her 80s and outscored opponents many generations younger than her with ease.  She also enjoyed game shows, the Yankees, jigsaw puzzles, reading, and especially jokes, but was happiest celebrating the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.

Liz could find the fun in any situation and always succeeded inputting a smile on others’ faces too.  She strove to make others feel included, and will be remembered for her warm, genuine heart and cheerful personality.  True to form, Liz always put her family first throughout her life and would do anything for those she loved.  She was admired for her patience, thoughtfulness, generosity, and kindness.  Liz was a special person who was loved and cherished by all who knew her.  Although she will be profoundly missed, her family and friends will always smile thinking of her and the memories they shared together.  

Liz is now reunited with her beloved husband Hayden Morris;her son, Hayden “Rusty” Morris; her parents, Nicholas and Lena Pokol; and her siblings, Ethel DiNicolas, Irene Emm, LillianHoneycutt, Olga Kinahan, Mary Bacote, Ernie Pokol, CharliePokol, Elek Pokol, and Frank Pokol.  She leaves behind her daughter Nancy Gillespie and son-in-law Kevin; her daughter-in-law Dale Morris; grandchildren Ryan Gillespie, Kelly Ohayon (and husband Alex), Michael Morris, and Matthew Morris; and great-granddaughter Riley Ohayon, along with many nieces and nephews and others who loved her.  

Liz’s life will be celebrated on May 27th at Gosselin Funeral Home in Edison, with a viewing (9:00 AM-11:00 AM) and blessing (11:00 AM), followed by interment at Cloverleaf Memorial Parkin Woodbridge.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elizabeth Morris, please visit our floral store.