Anna Marie Morris

Born March 1st, 1918 in San Jose, CA

Entered into rest on March 3, 2014 at the age of 96.

After living with congestive heart failure for many years, she passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents Josephine and Leonard D’Anna, husband James Morris, daughter Marilyn Raye, brother Alfonso D’Anna, and sisters Nina Campbell and Eleanor Popovich.

Although Anna Marie was born in San Jose, CA, she spent her youth in Williamsport, Pennsylvania where she attended Williamsport High School. She returned to San Jose with her family at the age of 18 and attended San Jose State University where she enjoyed being Secretary to the Aeronautics Department, keeping their flight logs and fueling the airplanes. She was also active in the Italian Club and the Pi Omega Pi Business Club before graduating in 1940 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business.

Anna Marie was proud of her accomplishments working in San Jose, first as Assistant City Clerk, and eventually promoted to Clerk of the Police Court where she and her colleague, Col. Mitchell, designed the first modern version of the traffic ticket. She became a notary, earned her radio license, and was the first woman to be heard on the San Jose Police dispatch. She was also an active member and past president of the Phi Epsilon Phi Sorority.

Anna Marie met James “Jimmy” Morris at a USO dance held at the Old San Jose Airport off Alum Rock and North Capital Avenue in the summer of 1942. They married in March of 1943 and shared 59 years together. They had three children – Russ Morris (Karis) of Star Valley, AZ, Marilyn Raye (deceased) and Barbara Serrano (Duane) of San Jose, CA. She is survived by 8 grandchildren – Tammy Becker (John), Joe Morris (Myra), Dusti Martin (Dean), Justin Morris, Andrew Raye (Maria), Kelly Raye-Martilli (Luca), Michael Serrano (Nichole), and Scott Serrano (Janice), as well as 7 great-grandchildren – Camille, Jonathan, Carly, Kelly, Alessandro, Aleya, and Shanara.

Anna Marie later worked in the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office and eventually became a probation officer with the County of Santa Clara. She retired from the county as a supervisor in 1973 but continued to work with the City of San Jose for one more year in the Fire Prevention Bureau before retiring in 1974.

After retiring, Anna Marie and Jim moved to Cameron Park where they enjoyed living on 5 acres of land with their 3 cats, dog “Taffy”, and their beloved horse “Finney”. They enjoyed their ranch with many fruit trees and an entire acre dedicated to their garden. Anna Marie even took classes at UC Davis and became a certified “Master Food Preserver”. She volunteered at the El Dorado County Agricultural Department and the Placerville Food Bank. Anna Marie and Jim moved back to San Jose in 1996 and continued to enjoy their retirement close to family and friends. With her free time and love of education, Anna Marie continued to take computer and Italian classes.

Anna Marie is a Lifetime Scales of Justice Lions’ Club Member. She enjoyed playing cards with her friends, and was an avid San Francisco Giants and 49er fan. She had a sweet tooth always asking for Hershey’s Dark Chocolate and Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups. Her nightly routine included graham crackers with peanut butter and a glass of sweetened warm of milk.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Merrill Gardens Independent/Assisted Living Residence in Willow Glen for 5 years of outstanding service, support, and friendship. Their care, patience, and respect for Anna Marie are very much appreciated. Special thanks go to Necita and Jean for their attentive and loving care in Anna Marie’s final months.

A viewing will be held at Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel, 710 Willow Street, San Jose, on Sunday, March 9th starting at 5:00 pm with a Vigil Service at 7:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 10th at 11:00 am at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, 1576 Curtner Avenue, San Jose.

Donations in her honor may be made to the Scales of Justice Lion’s Club. http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/scalesofjustice/