HEATHER MARION MORRISON

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HEATHER MARION MORRISON

September 11, 1953 – November 4, 2023

On the morning of November 4th, 2023, Heather Marion Morrison (nee Bryan) passed away peacefully and dignified, with her loving husband Steve Morrison and daughter Lauren Morrison by her side. Daughter Sarah and granddaughter Bailey arrived from England shortly after Heather’s passing, however they had a wonderful Facetime visit the day before. Even though Heather was taken from us too soon, she lived an extraordinary life surrounded by people that adored her.



Steve and Heather created a beautiful love story and found joy in each other’s unique spirit. 2023 was an eventful year for them, as they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in England on January 29th, following the birth of their granddaughter Bailey Bingham-Morrison on January 16th. They attended the wedding of their daughter Sarah to Alex Bingham in England in August. Heather celebrated her 70th birthday in September at a party with many family members and friends in attendance. Throughout their lives together, Steve and Heather created a home and community where so many felt welcome.



Heather, one of six children of Tom and Doreen Bryan (nee Giesbrecht), was born on September 11th, 1953, in Goodlands, Manitoba. Heather’s zest for life blossomed on the family farms in McCreary and Douglas Manitoba surrounded by her siblings. Her nickname while growing up was “Happy”, a very fitting name for a wonderful woman.



Heather was an active member of her community and her giving nature was apparent in both her formal and informal acts of service. This included her involvement with the Order of the Eastern Star. Heather embodied their values of trust, commitment, respect, kindness, charity and support and held a number of positions including the Worthy Matron on many occasions. Heather also held the position of Brandon Garden Club Garden Show Coordinator and Newsletter Editor. She was the Sunday School Coordinator and Office Manager at Knox United Church as well as the Gift Shop Coordinator, Program Registrar and Customer Service Representative at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba. Heather held other positions with Neilson Marketing, Rooms Alive Painting and Decorating and Quilts Etc. Prior to her marriage to Steve in 1983, Heather was the first female manager of a Sherwin Williams store in Canada followed by a career at Western Paint & Wallcovering as their representative with architects, designers and decorators in Manitoba, Northwest Ontario, and Saskatchewan. She gave up her career to move to Dauphin, following Steve’s career with Manitoba Hydro across the province. It was there that her first daughter Sarah was born after which she decided to be a “stay-at-home” mom until such time as the daughters started school.



Regardless of the role, Heather brought passion, creativity, and her special talent of connecting with those around her.



Heather had an artist's spirit and found beauty in all areas of life. This shone through in all of her endeavors and interests including gardening, interior design, fashion, painting, art creations featured at many events and craft shows, nature, wildlife, travelling, architecture and music. Heather’s unique talent for painting was recognized in the Westman Juried Art Show—Travelling Gallery, her own personal art show was featured at the Hamiota Art Gallery and through multiple private purchases of her pieces.



Heather is survived by her loving husband Steve Morrison, her two daughters Sarah (Alex Bingham) and Lauren (Jonathan Harding) and her granddaughter Bailey. She is also survived by her sister Ruth (nee Bryan) (Glenn) Hyde; sister Esther Bryan; brother Larry (Cheryl) Bryan; brother Danny (Elaine) Bryan; brother Patrick (Sandy) Bryan and numerous nieces and nephews.



Heather was a wonderful spouse, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin. She doted on her family and was happiest when her large brood surrounded her. She hosted countless parties and family gatherings, and her vivacious and outgoing spirit will be missed by many.



Heather was predeceased by her mother Doreen Bryan who passed in 2019 and her father, Tom Bryan who passed in 1998.



Heather’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the staff of the Assiniboine Centre Palliative Care Unit who supported Heather’s end of life so beautifully. Special thanks to all the doctors, nurses, emergency staff and diagnostic technicians who aided her in her treatment.



In lieu of flowers, Heather’s wishes were to support the charity closest to her heart; the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Prairie Mountain Regional Health Centre and/or a contribution to her granddaughter’s education trust fund. To make a donation to the Neo-Natal ICU, please visit: www.brhcfoundation.ca/donate and choose maternal/child areas and specify Neo-Natal ICU. If you chose to send an e-card, please send to the e-mail: smorrison@wcgwave.ca.



Heather also wanted the option of donations to granddaughter Bailey’s Education Trust Fund which can be done by e-transfer to Steve Morrison at smorrison@wcgwave.ca.



To accommodate family travel, Heather requested a summer funeral and celebration of life which will take place at 11:00 a.m. on July 26, 2024, at Knox United Church in Brandon.

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 18, 2023, Nov 18, 2023