Joan L Morris

Joan L. Cahill Morris

July 16, 1921 – August 18, 2017

Gracious, loving, generous, and brave, Joan Morris was born in Lowell, Massachusetts.

A proud veteran, Joan was among the first group of female petty officers sworn into the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. Stationed in Boston, she worked in the Custom House for the Admiral in the Aids to Navigation office.    

Joan lived in Delaware with her first husband, Matthew Kennedy, when Pat, Tim and Chris were young. In 1957, she moved with the children to Los Angeles, where she worked for a cardiologist.

In 1964, Joan married Ralph Morris and moved to Orange, California. Ralph and Joan traveled the world and were absolute people magnets, making friends wherever they went. Their door was always open to friends and family, frequently hosting Shriners and Elks parties, wedding receptions and every holiday. No one ever left without a hearty “Come back and see us again!”

Joan loved to shop, collect antiques, and be of service to others. 

She was always actively involved in philanthropic and service organizations such the Daughters of the American Revolution, Shriners Children Hospital, Nobelettes, Ebell Club, Coast Guard Veterans, and Questers. At age 93, Joan volunteered to visit patients in a Memory Care Unit.

 Joan was predeceased by her husband, prominent Orange County businessman and Dry Cleaner, Ralph Morris, parents John and Margaret Cahill, sisters Geraldine Sullivan and Dorothy Mahan.

She is survived by her sister Peggy Cahill and her children Tom (Barbara) Morris, Diana (Ed) Putz, Pat Kennedy, Tim (Maureen) Kennedy, Christine Kennedy, twelve grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, numerous treasured nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

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