Elnora (Nora) May Morris of Cokato, Minnesota went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at the age of 81. She was Born to Nels and Esther Peterson in Cottonwood County, Minnesota on February 6, 1931. She attended high school in Rochester, Minnesota and married her high school sweetheart, William Schmidt, on her 18th birthday. She was baptized and confirmed in 1950 in Minneapolis. Nora and Bill had three daughters, Rose, Gail, and Mary and also welcomed foster children into their family for twelve years. They provided a meaningful family life in a home filled with love and founded on solid Christian values that were lived out on a daily basis. The family resided in St. Louis Park for over thirty years.As retirement neared, they chose to relocate to Cokato and establish a new home there. They built a new house and many new friendships as well. Their activities revolved around their church, their community, their family and friends. They were married for 49 years, until Bill’s passing in 1998.
In 2005, Nora married Carl Morris of Cokato. She continued her involvement in the church quilting group as well as coordinating donations for Sharing and Caring Hands. She was a dedicated volunteer for Wright County Hospice and delivered Meals on Wheels in the Cokato area. She
also saw to it that those in need received a personal visit with a warm smile, a kind word and often fresh flowers.
also saw to it that those in need received a personal visit with a warm smile, a kind word and often fresh flowers.
Nora loved gardening, jigsaw puzzles, visiting her sisters, being with friends and was passionate about chocolate. Having family together was the ultimate best. She would say when they gathered that her house was smiling. She also looked forward to the annual fall weekend with her
daughters that had been a tradition for years.
daughters that had been a tradition for years.
Her character was one of high integrity. Her gifts were to nurture, care, and serve. She had the ability to listen intently with her heart and respond to those around her with deep sensitivity. She was a humble woman of great faith, kindness and compassion, but considered herself quite ordinary. Her legacy is one of love and faith and will be carried on by the many who were so deeply impacted by her.
Nora is survived by her husband, Carl; sisters June (Roger) Hovland and Della Johnson; brother Nels (Lucille) Peterson Jr.; children, Rose Schmidt (Bob Swanson), Gail (Michael)Mooers, and Mary (William) King; grandchildren Micaela Mooers, Daniel Mooers, Alyssa (Jonathan) Gamlin, and Anna King; great grandchildren Nathaniel and Evelyn Gamlin; favorite dog, Emma, as well many nieces and nephews.
Celebration of life: 8/16, 11 am at Good Shepherd Free Luth. of Cokato, MN. Visitation: 8/15, 4-7 pm, with 6 pm prayer, and 1 hr. prior to service all at church.