August 1, 1930 – December 13, 2024
Catherine Marie Bilich Morris, a native daughter of New Orleans and longtime resident of Pensacola, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024, at the age of 94. She was surrounded by family and her devoted husband.
Born on August 1, 1930, in Empire, Louisiana, she grew up on Governor Nichols Street in the French Quarter. Catherine was the daughter of Mathew J. Bilich, a Croatian immigrant, and Frances Hihar Bilich. Her childhood was filled with freedom and adventure — running through the streets of New Orleans with her brother and climbing the rafters of old buildings.
Summers in Buras, Louisiana, were a cherished chapter of her life. There, she spent days of fun with her cousin who was her best friend. Together, they tended chickens, caught fireflies, picked figs for jam and hung laundry on the clothesline. Barefoot, and climbing trees down by the levee was her definition of freedom. Catherine adored the slower, simpler pace of life.
Catherine carried her romantic spirit into adulthood. Catherine met her first love, Navy pilot Wallace “Wally” Arbuckle when he was stationed in New Orleans. They married and embarked on a life together that carried them from New Orleans to Washington, Virginia and Rhode Island. A devoted mother, Catherine raised their four daughters with care and love. As a military family, they moved often, but wherever they went, Catherine created a home filled with warmth, and coziness.
After she faced the unimaginable loss of Wally, who passed away far too young, life brought her a second love and loyal protector in John “Sandy” Morris. Sandy not only embraced Catherine but adopted her four daughters as his own. Together, they had a son, Johnny, and continued their life as a military family. Catherine and Sandy were stationed in Pensacola as he completed his time in the Navy and transitioned to his new job with Delta Airlines which brought them back to the New Orleans area. As he neared retirement with Delta, and as most of their children left home, they eventually settled back in the Pensacola area. Known for her spunky personality, elegant presence, and love for life’s simple pleasures, Catherine found joy hunting for shells on the beach, in her garden, taking daily walks, and sipping coffee with French bread at the kitchen table by the light of her oil lamp.
Catherine’s greatest joy was her family. Her grandchildren remember her as a loving and encouraging grandmother who inspired their free spirits and captivated them with stories of her childhood. Though life brought its challenges, Catherine faced them with strength and determination.
Catherine is survived by her devoted husband, John “Sandy” Morris, and her five children: Daughter, Nancy Wood Minyard, grandson Johnny Wood, wife Michelle and great grandchildren J.C. and Alexa Wood, and granddaughter Summer and husband Mark Patterson, and great-grandchildren, Zoe and Bryce Patterson. Daughter, Diane Haffar and her partner Andy Saffold, granddaughter Rafia and husband Andy Bryant, and great-granddaughters Saarah and Lulwa Bryant, grandson Medani Haffar, and granddaughter Naila, and husband V.J. Long. Daughter Molly and her husband Martin Joffe, grandchildren Margaux, and Gabriel Joffe and granddaughter Natalie and husband Matt Patterson. Daughter Cathy O’Donnell and grandson Scott Cavazos and granddaughter Sheri Winchester. Son John Morris, III, and his wife Barbara. She is also survived by many loving family members and friends.
The funeral will be held in Pensacola on Friday December 20, 2024 at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel celebrating Catherine’s life. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm then a graveside service by Fr. John Cayer from St. Ann Catholic Church at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor her by sharing a coffee with a loved one or enjoying a walk through a garden - reminders of the simple joys she treasured most.
