Obituary of Catherine Morrison

Catherine L. "Cathy" Morrison (nee Chizmark) Age 52, passed away Monday, March 24, 2014 at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital with her family by her side. She had fought a long, hard battle against Hamman-Rich syndrome, also known as acute interstitial pneumonia. Born September 18, 1961 in Joliet, she was a graduate of Joliet West High School. Cathy was previously employed at Roadsafe in Romeoville. She decided to follow her dreams and became an entrepreneur. In 2013, she became co-owner of Versed Salon in Plainfield. Alongside her husband, friends and family, she was able to build this vision from the ground up. She married Craig Morrison on February 11, 2000. Together, they embarked on an adventure filled with love, laughs and hot, sandy beaches. Cathy and Craig enjoyed their time spent vacationing in Mexico and in the Caribbean. They often shared this time with cherished friends. She truly enjoyed her time boating and floating at Lake of the Ozarks, happy to be relaxing with a cold beverage under the hot sunshine with loved ones. Cathy was a "proud mama" who taught her children, Chris and Nicole, to stay strong and independent. She welcomed Craig's daughter, Anne, into the family with open arms and considered her a daughter. She loved to make her infamous "Yellow Bowl Chicken" and found great joy in watching her kids eagerly open their "stockings" on Christmas. She always had a good laugh when she threatened the "kids" (now in their 20's and 30's) that "this would be the last year for stockings, you guys are too old for this." However, the stockings kept coming. Cathy also had a very special relationship with her much-loved Goddaughter, Annika Chizmark. She was proud "yai-yai" to Annika's son, Peter Boylan. Peter was Cathy's pride and joy and was amazed at his ability to figure out electronic devices that adults couldn't figure out. Cathy will be especially remembered for her laughter, goofy conversations, and her willingness to listen to problems. She made it her goal to make people smile and laugh if they were sad. She was the life of the party. She and her "BFF's" Lisa Pleski and Shari Hill shared a lifetime of laughter and misadventures together. She valued her friends very much and considered them family. Survived by her beloved husband, Craig A. Morrison of Joliet; children, Nicole Martis of Joliet, Christopher Martis of Joliet and Anne Morrison of Chicago; one brother, Joseph Chizmark of Joliet; her Goddaughter, Annika Chizmark and her son, Peter Boylan; numerous nieces and nephews; and her four-legged friends, Radar and Stubby. Preceded by her parents, Joseph and Demetra "Dee" (nee Calamaras) Chizmark; two brothers, Michael and Peter Chizmark; and her beloved dog, Riley, who made his journey to Rainbow Bridge late last year. The loss of Cathy will leave a void in all of our hearts. The world will never be the same without her in it. A Memorial Visitation for Catherine L. Morrison will be held Friday, March 28, 2014 from 3-8 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Interment will be private. For information (815) 741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com