Leila (Lil) Morrissette

Mrs. Leila (Lil) Morrissette, formally of Pinecrest Ave, Berlin passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at Our Lady of the Meadows in Richford, VT. She was 92.

She was born on August 10, 1921 in East Hereford PQ. Along with her parents, Raoul and Alice St. Amant, Leila moved to Berlin New Hampshire at a young age.

It was in this wonderful little city, in Coos County, where Leila grew, married, raised her family of three children and formed her career in the medical field.

Born the eldest of six children, Leila is survived by her brothers George St. Amant and his wife Claire, and Roger St. Amant and his wife Lorraine. Pre-deceasing Leila were her sisters Simone Oldroyd, Rita Pelchat and Pauline McLaren.

From her 44 year marriage to Hector Morrissette, who predeceased Leila in 1984; Leila is survived by two of her three children; Louise Jodoin and her husband Robert; Richard Morrissette and his wife Pamela. The eldest, Ronald Morrissette, passed away in October of 2001.

Leila's generational legacy also includes her four grandchildren; James Morrissette, Jeff Morrissette, Kelly Stalhood and Michelle Morrissette; and four great-grandchildren; Logan (Ronald) Morrissette, Amelia Morrissette, Joanna Stalhood and Nathan Stalhood.

Leila loved life. While always ready for a rousing card game of 'pitch' Leila was a zealous reader and lover of the arts. It was not uncommon for Leila to take advantage of a bus trip to Boston to catch a play. If there were no plays... she would go on bus trips anyway; to be with people and to see new sights. I think, more than anything, it was to be with people - which Mother loved.

Thank you Lola and Florian for coming to see Mother after one of us left town; thank you for your friendship.

Thank you Mrs. 'G' (Irene) for traveling with mother on all those trips the two of you made to Michigan.

However, it was in reading where Leila traveled the world and became knowledgeable of society, history, religion and politics. It was a nightly occurrence where Mother would end her day with a good book to guide her to sleep.

As a woman who loved a good debate (her children may describe this differently) Mother was known to 'stir the coals' by way of a vibrant exchange in politics. How she enjoyed getting the blood flowing!

Leila pushed the envelope by choosing to be a working mom; long before it was in vogue. She enjoyed many years working at "the Clinic" with Dr. Monroe. We, her children, were blessed in hearing the stories of how the 'Harvard' educated man was dedicated to his profession of helping and healing.

From the clinic Leila worked for Dr. Julius Israel, a chapter that spanned more than 30 years. We were told us of how Dr. Israel would care for those with limited means by accepting payment in eggs, poultry, etc.

The last chapter in mother's professional career was working for Dr. Sadat Kahn. This was an especially meaningful chapter in Leila's life where; the two (young) children of Dr. and Mrs. Kahn readily gravitated to mother (Goodie). Their friendship and love has lasted decades; a recent visit from the doctor, his wife Angela and their youngest son Dr. Rihan Kahn is testament of their enduring friendship. Your kindness and love will long be remembered.

During her working years Mother enjoyed her membership in the Business and Professional Woman's Club (BPW).

During her retirement, Mother gained fulfillment in serving as a Eucharistic Minister for St. Anne's, in addition to being a volunteer at St. Vincent De Paul. Being a member of the ladies of St. Anne provided Mother the welcomed opportunity to be with her friends. Mother never lost her joy of traveling, especially with her friend Jeanne (Lawrence).

As Mother aged, declining vision robbed her of her lifelong passion - reading... and later driving. Though denied these pleasures, Mother never complained; she remained grateful for the gifts she had. She always remained devoted to Jesus.

During that time when she could no longer drive or travel in a book; Mother had the tireless support of her friends, Gert Bacon and Jackie Ramsey. Your daily phone calls were important and meaningful in Mother's daily life. We are grateful for your devotion and kindness.

Mother's good neighbors on Pinecrest Ave, Vincent and Elaine, Dick and Denise; your unending acts of kindness, generosity and protection of Mother, truly define the word 'neighbor;' our heartfelt thanks to you.

To the Jodoin family; the kindness you have shown to Mother over the many years is felt in our hearts. Regardless of condition you never failed to include her in your family traditions; be it known, your kindness and actions of love made Mother's life all the more enjoyable. May each of you and your families be forever blessed.

In closing we would be completely remiss if we would not extend our heartfelt thanks to the care providers at Cathedral Square Assisted Living, Our Lady of the Meadows, and Franklin Home Health. The care, warmth, love and respect extended to our mother; will never be forgotten. You will remain in our prayers of thanksgiving.

There will be calling hours at Fleury-Patry Funeral Home, 72 High Street, Berlin NH on Monday April 21 from 2p.m. to 4p.m. and Tuesday April 22 from 8:30a.m. to 9:30a.m.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday April 22 at 10 a.m. at St Anne Church of Good Shepherd Parish. Burial will follow at Mt Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to your charity of choice