October 12, 1920 – April 5, 2018
The Embodiment of Compassion, Kindness & Generosity
The first of three children born to Margaret Hilton Prior Sohn and Harry Vincent Sohn, Margaret Louise Sohn was raised in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. She was a happy child, who loved their home in town and their family farm where she played and thrived.
Louise met her future husband, Gilbert Williams Morris, Jr., at Kent State University just prior to WWII. Before they were married, Gilbert went to war as a Merchant Marine, and Louise was able to realize her lifelong dream of going to school and becoming a registered nurse. After the war, Gil went to Southern California. Louise later followed, where they married and settled in Whittier to have their family. Her children’s happiest memories include when she had a day off from work and took them to the beach or the park.
In 1979, Louise and Gilbert left Whittier and moved to Cloverdale, where she became an active member and docent with the Cloverdale Historical Society, crafted quilts for auctions, prepared meals at the Senior Center, provided transportation for seniors, was the Past President of the Cloverdale Women’s Improvement Club and served in multiple capacities at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.
A loving wife and mother, Louise’s passion for caring and service to people and projects survives in the hearts of everyone who knew her. After a 46-year career as a registered nurse, she continued her penchant for helping others through various individual and community contributions.
In 1995, Louise was instrumental in saving the historic Gould-Shaw House from being torn down. In 2001, for this achievement she was chosen by the California State Office of Historical Preservation to receive the Governor’s Award in Sacramento.
Louise lived with grace and dignity and was altruistic her whole life. Once asked how she wanted to be remembered, she responded: “As a good person.” And that is exactly how she will be remembered always.
Louise will be Deeply & Lovingly Missed.
Louise is predeceased by her daughter Patricia Ann, her husband Gil and her brother Dave. She leaves her son, Rick, and two daughters, Cynthia Eggers and Karen Kalena Babeshoff, as well as her beloved granddaughter, Brenda Schick and husband Steven, her sister Phyllis, and nieces and nephews. She passed knowing that her Cloverdale friends loved her.
To Honor Louise’s Life:
In her honor, and for her love of trees, Louise’s son Rick is planting a maple tree. If you feel you’d like to do the same, we invite you to plant any tree you like, anywhere you like, or take an action to protect trees in any way you can.
Donations are gratefully accepted to causes that were near and dear to her heart:
Episcopal Relief & Development Fund, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017
Cloverdale Historical Museum, 215 N Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, CA 95425
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the community of Good Shepard. And deepest gratitude to Memorial Hospice for their counsel and valuable services in guiding Louise’s last phase of life.
