Marnie Morrison Tribute

Volunteer, patient, supporter, friend, Marnie Morrison brought her special magic into our life at The Rose and into my own as well. She was my Master Mind partner.  She along with five other partners met weekly at each other’s homes for over twenty-five years.  We always included a space for ‘Ms. Rose’ during our meetings and she always had a request! Sometimes it was for funding, others for a full-time radiologist but most were for the women diagnosed that week.  Our small group held up, affirmed, and prayed over every request.   

In addition to working full-time as an IT Business Analyst, Marnie was a Massage Therapist, Reiki Master, Hypnotherapist, Healing Touch Practitioner, and an ordained Minister. She held a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Healing and was one of the most well-versed people in alternative healing methods that I have ever known. 

Year after year, she earned another certification, and I stayed in awe at her determination to master another skill that could help people. I was one of those people. After nearly a decade of dealing with all the symptoms of menopause and trying everything imaginable hoping for relief, one hypnosis session with her totally eliminated my hot flashes.

Marnie knew Dr. Melillo long before she and I became friends. She was one of the first insured women to come to The Rose when we first started in 1987 and stayed faithful to having her annual mammograms long after she retired.

In 2006, she authored “Everyday Health and Well Being,” a practical guide that became a permanent fixture in The Rose library.  The consummate volunteer, Marnie showed up whenever we needed her, which was often. She was a certified facilitator of the Mind, Body, and Spirit Self-empowerment program and part of the programs we held at The Rose. Her gardens were beautiful long before she became a Master Gardener.   

My most cherished memory is when she officiated my wedding to the love of my life, Patrick.  Our invitation told our 175 guests that they were attending a party to celebrate our marriage and asked everyone to come dressed as their favorite fairy tale character. Among the Tin Man and Dorothy, several Prince and Princesses, a couple of green Frogs, Red Riding Hood and her wolf, and others, Marnie appeared in her robe and vestments and announced it was time for one more thing.  Even in that setting, she brought a sense of dignity as she masterfully officiated over our exchange of vows, gently encouraging me when I stumbled over the words.  I will be forever grateful to her husband, Tom, the love of Marnie’s life, for having the presence of mind to capture the event on video. 

Another long-time friend of The Rose, Judy, attributes Marnie’s caring and kindness during her weekly Healing Touch sessions with hubby, Joe, to extending his life. 

Marnie had so many endearing qualities, a healthy dose of quirkiness and never completely finished a sentence. Margie reminded me of how she loved to model her boots at our meetings.  Helen remembers the amusing way of sharing whatever she experienced that always lifted the spirits of our group. Dr. Dixie said, “I miss her massages.”

Oh, that everyone should be so lucky as to have a friend like Marnie in their life.