Caroline Morris

Caroline C. Morris was a fun loving and generous person completely devoted to her family. She found immense joy in the simple beauties of life – the stars, the flowers and most importantly, the lovely songs of birds. Caroline was always eager to share her benevolence with others, and in turn brought a special light to those around her.

America was in the midst of an exciting period of growth in 1913. Over the course of 2 decades, the Industrial revolution completely reshaped many aspects of traditional life in this country. Where fields and pastures once lay, huge cities sprung up and took over. Each day, thousands of immigrants poured in from all over the world to fill surplus jobs. Each of these families brought with them a slice of their native culture and traditions, and these fragments amalgamated into a new set of American values. It was an exciting era of unprecedented growth.

Caroline entered this changing world on June 11th, 1913 in Cadillac, Michigan. She was the second child and only daughter of Christina Carolina and William Doezema. Her brother, Albert was 7 years older. Caroline’s father worked as a boilermaker for many years in the small town and also assisted in the construction of the railroad. One of Caroline’s fondest memories of living in Cadillac involved the snowy Michigan winters, and getting to ride in the horse-drawn sleigh to the next town in order to buy eggs and butter. The family didn’t remain in Cadillac very long though. By the age of 8 Caroline and her family permanently settled in Grand Rapids. It was there that Caroline truly grew up and attended school. She went to South High School alongside future president Gerald R. Ford and graduated with the class of 1931.

Caroline’s life took an unexpectedly wonderful turn only a few years later. She was attending a dance in 1935 when a handsome young man named Jack Morris caught her eye. She was introduced to the young man and he bravely asked her out. Caroline quickly replied that she needed a full 2 weeks notice before accepting a date, but gave him her phone number anyway. He called a few days later and asked Caroline on a date with 3 full weeks notice. The first date went well, and Caroline began to see Jack exclusively. They carried on in that fashion for nearly five years before their lives once again changed.

The outbreak of World War II shook people all over the world. As America was thrust headlong into the war, Jack answered the call to duty and enlisted. He knew the risks involved and chose not to marry Caroline before shipping out because he didn’t want to make Caroline a widow. For five heart-wrenching years, Jack fought on the frontlines of the war while Caroline waited faithfully at home. Finally, the day she dreamed of arrived. Jack and 10 others were the only survivors of his 365-man unit. The couple joyously reunited in the summer of 1945 and married on August 18 in Grand Rapids.

Jack and Caroline eagerly planned their new life together. They decided to start their own business, a carhop restaurant on the corner of Leonard and Walker that they called "The Silver Dome". Caroline’s job was chief baker for the diner and everyday she would bake 16 different pies from scratch to sell to loyal customers. Loyal these customers were indeed. One day on the way to work she hit a curb which upset her pies something fierce. The customers, familiar with the quality of her goods, bought the pies just the same. After 8 years, a new grocer in town, by the name of Meijers, made an offer on the property and the couple decided to sell. Jack and Caroline were the proprietors of the Silver Dome no more.

Jack and Caroline had much more important issues at hand; namely raising children. The couple had 2 kids, Christy and John. Caroline was a loving and attentive mother. She cherished her children more than anything else in the world and tried to be as generous as possible with them. Every Labor Day the family would pack the car and go camping. These trips became a tradition that lasted for over 20 years.

Caroline, her children and her mother barely escaped serious harm in 1956. The infamous Standale Tornado hit their house directly, demolishing their 2-story brick home and turning the family’s new jeep into a twisted ball of metal. Caroline and her family were caught on the way downstairs when the twister hit, but miraculously escaped drastic injury. This terrible disaster didn’t smother Caroline’s benevolent spirit. She and the family took this opportunity to start a brand new business called Superior Interiors, later known as Lumber Jacks.

Caroline was always known as a great people-person. Every time her kids brought a friend home, she would treat the visitor as though it was one of her own friends. People were drawn to her vibrant personality and easygoing way. She loved animals almost as much as she loved people. She liked to be outdoors tending to flowers and at the same time listening to the birds sing their lovely songs. Caroline always said her favorite music was sung by the birds.

As the years progressed, Caroline was blessed with many people with whom she could share her love. She liked to sew and cook for her loved ones, and her family will never forget her "Lamb" cakes. She traveled whenever she could in her later years, especially to Copper Harbor where she would stay for 2 weeks at a time. She would often step outside at night and admire the heavens above; it was simple wonders like these that brought Caroline happiness. No matter where she went or what she did, nothing could detract from the endless bounty in her life - be it the splendor of nature or her beloved family.

Caroline passed away on Monday, October 6th, 2003. She is predeceased by her husband John "Jack" Morris in 1994; and brother, Albert. Caroline is survived by her children, Christy and Gary Woods and John and Mary Morris; grandchildren, Bret and Miriam Prichard, Marla and Rick Parsons, and Chad and Nickole Prichard and 3 great-grandsons. Also surviving are sister-in-law, Gene Morris; nieces, Carolyne Carter and Cheri Conrad; nephews Charles and Patricia Bloom and Mike and Rita Morris. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, October 11, 2003 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Relatives and friends may meet her family at the Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr on Friday from 2-4 P.M and 7-9 P.M. To read Caroline’s complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Caroline was a kindhearted and fun woman who continuously illuminated the lives of her loved ones. She will be greatly missed.