WILLIS Anna Obituary

WILLIS, Mary Anna (Morrish) December 18, 1931 - July 21, 2021 Mary Anna passed away peacefully at North Shore Hospice in North Vancouver. Much loved and missed by her three daughters Julie (Terry), Thies, Beth (Ralph), Plant and Sally Stewart; seven grandchildren Emily (Carl), da Luz, Carolyn (Andrew) Mertz, Rory Thies, Sandra Thies, Jackson Stewart, Mallory Stewart and Willis Plant; two great-grandchildren Frank da Luz and Charles Mertz and her brother Jack Morrish. Predeceased by husband Frank, her parents, and brothers Bob and Bill. Born in Cherrywood, Ontario to Roy and Ella Morrish, Mary Anna had many fond memories of her childhood in that close community with her three older brothers. She graduated from the Wellesley School of Nursing in Toronto in 1953, then went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at UBC in 1958. It was in Vancouver that she met the love of her life Frank Willis. Mary Anna and Frank raised their three daughters in North Vancouver. Mary Anna was a caring and kind-hearted person who unselfishly gave of herself to support and love her family, friends and neighbours. Mary Anna willingly volunteered for many organizations including Girl Guides, St. Catherine's Church and Meals on Wheels. There are many who remember Mary Anna and Frank's hospitality at their home. There was always room for one more at Sunday dinners. Mary Anna always rose to a challenge and learned new skills readily whether it was skiing (she took skiing lessons on her honeymoon!), sailing, driving the ski boat, sewing or living in a remote mining camp. She did it all! Mary Anna and Frank lived a full life together and enjoyed times with family at Christina Lake, ski holidays with friends and travelling within BC and to Europe. Mary Anna had a special place in her heart for her dog. They faithfully walked rain or shine. In 1988, Mary Anna returned to school to take her Graduate Nurse Refresher Course. She was a gifted and compassionate nurse. In recent years, Mary Anna and Frank moved to Amica at Edgemont. We are grateful for the love and care they received there. Our appreciation also goes to Lions Gate Hospital and North Shore Hospice.