Marilyn Morrison September 29, 1939 - January 22, 2022

Marilyn Louise (Anderson Wilson) Morrison

died peacefully at home in the early hours of January 22, 2022, following a long battle with breast cancer.  She was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on September 29, 1939, to the late Dwight and Mildred Anderson.  She grew up in Edina, Minnesota, before moving to St. Louis in 1968.

Mrs. Morrison was predeceased by her daughter, Kathryn Louise Wilson, former husband Charles Wilson Sr., brother Richard Anderson, brother-in-law Frederick Hass and sister-in-law Judith Anderson.  She is survived by her devoted husband Geoffrey Morrison, her son, Charles “Chip” (Cindy) Wilson Jr., step children Christopher Morrison and Jennifer (Jim)  Mitchell, and nephew Jonathan Anderson. She is survived by her sister Patricia Hass, brother Clifford Anderson, sister-in-law Marlene Anderson, and daughter-in-law Hillary Morrison.  Missing “Grandmere” are grandchildren Dr. Alexandra Morrison, Colin Morrison, Samuel Wilson, Nicholas Wilson, Margaret Mitchell and John Mitchell.  She will also be missed by her nephew, nieces, and many others she called family.

A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Minnesota, (BA, 1961) and Washington University (MA, 1984), Marilyn was an inspiring teacher and dynamic faculty leader in the School District of Clayton (1968-1998). Throughout her career, teaching French Literature and Language, she attracted numerous students to the study of foreign language and took her greatest pleasure in seeing them excel.  In Clayton, she served as Department Chair and Coordinator of Foreign Languages.  She also was a consultant to the College Board, grading and writing AP exams, and conducting teacher workshops nationally.  From 1989-1998, she was the Clayton district Coordinator of Gifted Education, guiding students to their individual success in various fields of study.  In 2016, she received a Distinguished Educator Award from the grateful Clayton Alumni Association.

In her retirement, she returned to Clayton High part-time to teach French AP Literature and Language.  She taught English to Afghani immigrants, supported homeless shelters in Maplewood and south St. Louis, and served as an Oasis tutor in Clayton and Ladue. She devoted herself to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, working with the poor.  For her, teaching was a vocation, and service to others was a consuming passion.

The family wishes to thank medical caregivers at the Siteman Cancer Center and Mercy Hospital.  Her life was extended by their expertise and compassionate care.  She was comforted at home by the loving care of the BJC Hospice program and Martha’s Hands.

Services:  A memorial Mass will be celebrated at Annunziata Catholic Church, 9305 Clayton Road 63124, on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 11:00 AM.  The family will greet guests at the church from 10:00 -11:00 AM, and will attend a private interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery immediately after the Mass.  A reception will be held from 2:00-4:30 PM at the Morrison home. In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to the Annunziata Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society or to the Siteman Cancer Center at friendsofsiteman@wustl.edu.