Josee (Jo, Marie) Morris passed away on March 30, her 79th birthday, surrounded by her daughters after a strong fight with Alzheimer's disease. At her best she was truly a light in the world, passionate and uncompromising about social justice and peace for those who are suffering, impoverished or displaced. Josee fiercely loved her family, and her Catholic faith served as a guidepost for life. While South Africa remained her home at heart, Josee immigrated to the USA in 1969 as a US military spouse. In 1987, she settled in Annapolis, MD, which was home for 35 years. In 2022, Josee moved to San Diego where her life was filled with smiles, laughter, music, and witty sarcasm. She enjoyed long walks, her toes in the sand at the beach, scenic drives, brunches on cafe patios, snuggles with her four-legged grandbabies, and conversations over a piping hot cappuccino (with LOTS of raw sugar).

Josee's favorite things included birds, wildlife (squirrels too), and gardens, especially the annual planting of geraniums with granddaughters at her Annapolis home. She was an avid reader and moviegoer. She loved music and learned to play the piano after she retired from a 22-year career with the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. Josee was beloved by the seniors she served in senior activity centers and nutrition programs. As a dual citizen of USA and SA, she was ready to travel at a moment's notice; her favorite trips included South Africa, Greece, France, El Salvador, Ireland, Alaska, Vermont, and Deep Creek, MD.

Josee is survived by her four children, Kristin Morris and Michele Morris of San Diego, CA, Theresa Hogan of Gainesville, VA, and Marc Morris (Maureen); her two brothers, Roger Lavoipierre (Anita) and Father Pierre Lavoipierre of South Africa and her sister, Anne Morrison-Low (John) of Birmingham, AL. Josee loved her six grandchildren to the moon and back: Linnea, Talia, Mara, and Keira. She is at peace now with her parents whom she loved dearly, Etienne and Marie Lavoipierre.

Josee's children extend a special thanks to the caregivers who cared for Josee (and them) especially during her final months: the Aligned Hospice team, Seniors Helping Seniors and Sawsan, the Legion of Mary of St. Michael's Catholic Church Poway, and the team at Belmont Village Sabre Springs especially The Neighborhood and Karen. Josee was seen, heard, and loved by our San Diego community for which her family will be eternally grateful. Thank you also to Josee's friends who continued to love and support her across the miles (Jeanne, Kathy, John and Mary, Lucy).

A funeral Mass will be held on May 2 at 11 AM at St. Andrew by the Bay, 701 College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD, followed by a reception at 12 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust at www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org or International Committee for the Red Cross at https://www.icrc.org/en .