Marie Jean Morin

Marie-Jean Morin died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday September 25th at the age of ninety-two. She had been an El Paso resident for 42 years. Born in the province of Saskatchewan Canada and of French ancestry, Marie-Jean was the first of eight children to Calixte and Josephine Brassard. Her family primarily spoke French, and English was learned in school. Her family grew up on a large 170 acre farm. . After her mother’s tragic passing, Marie, the oldest child at 15 years old became the Mother of the household and raised seven siblings. She learned much during those times that would forge her personality traits of perseverance, steadfastness, and other endearing values that were apparent throughout her life. While still a teenager she learned to cook, milk cows, prepare chickens, cultivate the land, drive a truck, change diapers, and faithfully go to Mass every Sunday. When her brothers and sisters were old enough, Marie aspired to see places outside of her little farming community. She worked in a meat-packing plant and improved her English. She developed an outgoing and friendly demeanor and could make conversation with anyone. She later took a train by herself to visit an uncle in Northern California in 1954. On this train were several U.S. military police who were escorting an A.W.O.L. soldier to California. Marie, being a socialite and always dressing her best, met Corporal Francis John Morin, who thought she was just another pretty trouble-maker as she chatted with the prisoner. Actually, Corporal Morin liked her and was able to obtain her Uncle’s address in California. Later, Francis called her later and she agreed to meet with this quiet and reserved fellow as they talked and exchanged home addresses. Francis Morin’s home was in Montana not far from her Canadian town, only about a half day’s drive away. What a surprise, they thought…it really is a small world. Handsome Francis had developed a writing career in the Army as a journalist/ reporter and began writing romantic letters to Marie after she returned to Canada. Later, he visited her at her farm. He was introduced to her family and friends. She was happy to be seen with this handsome new face wearing a U.S. military uniform. The couple was the talk of her little town. Their courtship was less than a year, and they were married on October 14, 1954 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. At 32 Marie left her family and began traveling right away. Military service moved her every 2 or 3 years. She once dreamed of visiting all 50 states in the U.S., and she eventually did. She lived on military bases as an Army wife in New Jersey, California, Texas, Alaska, and Japan. Marie, Flip and their three children retired from military life in 1968 at Ft. Bliss, Texas and settled in El Paso. But Marie didn’t become idle, she went to work part-time as an AVON lady and a “Welcome Wagon” lady. She taught catechism and joined the Rosary Altar Society at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. She worked as a Red Cross volunteer at Ft. Bliss Beaumont Medical Center and could play guitar, dance, bowl, toss horseshoes, and throw a mean softball. She was an impeccable housewife, kept her home and yard spotless and was a proud lady in everything she did. She loved her family and made enduring friendships with many people. She lived happily with her husband at the same home on Galveston Street in El Paso. In 2010 Marie revisited her Canadian farm. The farm is now owned by her youngest sister, Josie. The town celebrated the 100th anniversary of their heritage and founding in Albertville. Marie was able to see six of her siblings and their immense families---a grand family reunion. The following year in 2011, she was brought to live near her “middle” son, Philip, and his family in California because she was stricken with ailing health. Marie still spoke some French, and loved to dance and sing. She participated in busy activities which kept her feeling young and alive. Until her final days she loved to laugh with her beautiful, twinkling blue eyes. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband, her brother Aime Brassard, and her parents. Marie’s memory is survived by her children and their families: Francine Greeson and Jamie Morin of Virginia, and Philip Morin of California. Her five grandchildren are Andrew, Adrienne, Patrick, McKenna, and Brennan. She is also survived by her loving 3 brothers and 3 sisters in Canada and their countless family members. Visitation will be held at El Paso’s Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast at 4631 Hondo Pass from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Rosary at 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 5th. Funeral Mass at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church will be at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 6th. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Marie loved flowers, and they may be sent to her at Sunset Funeral Home. Contributions may also be sent to organizations advocating Alzheimer’s research.