SHARE

A Life Well-Lived: Mahwah's Alix Morriss, 93, Was Mother, Businesswoman, Volunteer & Traveler

Alix Elizabeth deMarees Morriss, 93, died in her home in Mahwah on Dec. 7 surrounded by her children.

Alix Elizabeth deMarees Morriss came to the United States as a refugee from Germany after World War II and lived the American Dream.

Alix Elizabeth deMarees Morriss came to the United States as a refugee from Germany after World War II and lived the American Dream.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Born in Germany in 1926 from a noble lineage, with a title of Baroness, she went on to grow up in a country at war. Alix left home as a teenage refugee to complete a fulfilling and engaging life in Bergen County.

There wasn’t a challenge she didn’t face head on. Since arriving to the United States, she sought opportunities wherever they appeared: from working on Wall Street with no experience to getting a Master’s degree at Montclair State while simultaneously working as a teacher at Immaculate Heart Academy. All of this provided a joyful mid-life career.

Retirement was never an option. While many retirees look forward to relaxing, Alix started Travel Network in Waldwick with her late husband. Productive as always, they immersed themselves in the travel business and globe-trotting became their passion.

After closing the travel agency, she continued travel part-time and once again found other working opportunities—such as teaching German to company executives while making lasting friendships along the way.

Finally in retirement, as the people person she was, Alix volunteered at Valley Hospital, played Bridge at the Mahwah Senior Center and constantly entertained her friends and family.

LIFE is what she lived and her spirit will live forever in her family. She is survived by her children James L. and Maria Morriss of Peekskill, NY, Ronald and Belinda Morriss of Allendale, Patricia and Robert Martin of HoHoKus and her grandchildren, Christopher, Alec, Katherine, Julia, Ruby and Jennifer. She was predeceased by her husband, James H. Morriss,  and her son, Mark W. Morriss.

The family will welcome anyone who’s life Alix has touched on Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Feeney Funeral Home at 232 Franklin Ave. in Ridgewood. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Guardian Angel at  320 Franklin Tpke. in Allendale.

to follow Daily Voice Pascack Valley and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE