Mary Morrison

Mary Anne (Rice) Morrison, age 85, of Winona, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2019, at St. Anne Extended Healthcare.

She was born on June 27, 1933, in Winona, to Joseph and Alice (Pehler) Breza.  She graduated from Cathedral High School in 1951, and attended Winona State University.

Mary Anne was united in marriage with Donald Rice on November 21, 1956, in Winona, and he preceded her in death on March 18, 1988.  She later married Donald Morrison on July 26, 1991, in Winona, and he preceded her in death on July 8, 2013.

She was a member of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, and also of the Polish Museum, which she was instrumental in helping to establish.  Mary Anne was previously employed as the activities director for the Watkins Home, but her favorite role in life was that of being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

Mary Anne will be remembered for her great love of reading, and she was the author of four books including, “Cross Your Heart, Hope to Die,” as well as three of the books in the children’s Quacker’s Saddle Shoes series.  She also loved animals, dancing, walking and riding her bike around Lake Winona, painting, and spending winters in Arizona.

Mary Anne is lovingly survived by her children: Russ (Betty VanDerHeyDen) Rice and Ted (Kelly) Rice; grandchildren: Steven Rice, Jeffrey Rice, Melissa (Dustan) Ross, Becky (Brandon Wachal) Rice, Brooke Rice, William Rice, and Ashlea (Alex) Beisell; many great-grandchildren; a brother: Fr. Paul Breza; step-children: Paul (Mary Jo) Morrison, Jim (Jean) Morrison, and Mary Amundson; step-grandchildren: Hayley, Tanner, Andrew, Justin, Alyssa, Katie (Ethan), and Matt; as well as other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; brother: Tom; and sister: Theresa Mrozek.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 PM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 1 PM on Friday, June 21, 2019, in the Chapel of Our Lady at St. Anne Extended Healthcare.  The Reverend Paul J. Breza will officiate.  Following the Mass, a luncheon and reception will be held in the Gaudeamus Room of St. Anne’s.

Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse.

It is respectfully asked that memorials be considered to Alzheimer’s research, in lieu of flowers.

Mary Anne’s family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staffs of St. Anne’s and St. Croix Hospice for the excellent and loving care which she received.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Mary Ann’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.