Susan Marie Schmid Morrison

July 6, 1939 – March 31, 2026

Morrison, Susan Marie Schmid, known to family and friends as Sue, and to her family as "Gagy," passed away peacefully on March 31, during Easter week, surrounded by the adoration and love of her family and caregivers. She was 86 years old.

Sue was born on July 6, 1939, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was the oldest of five siblings and watched her parents, Jack and Lillian, model hard work and family dedication. From an early age, Sue possessed a spirit of curiosity, compassion, faith and resilience that would shape the course of her life. She pursued a career in nursing, a profession that reflected both her deep care for others and her high intelligence. Though she had many interests throughout her life, the compassionate spirit that drew her to nursing remained at the heart of who she was every day.

Sue was a proud student of Nativity, a "Derham Dollie," a St. Mary's nurse, and decorated St. Catherine alumna, remaining closely connected to many of these lifelong friends through her final weeks of life. She worked in obstetrics, teen health clinics, and chemical dependency programs, serving patients with skill, warmth, and empathy. She often inspired younger nurses with her best advice: "Don't ever let your nursing degree lapse."

On September 3, 1960, Sue married the love of her life, John Meredith Morrison, after a chance meeting on a train. Their marriage became a remarkable partnership spanning more than six decades, marked by devotion, shared adventure, and a deep commitment to family, friends, and community. Together they built a life along the shores of Lake Minnetonka for over 50 years in Orono and Wayzata, Minnesota, and later spent more than 35 years as residents of Naples, Florida.

Sue and John traveled the world with family and friends—from hunting and hiking trips to exploring history, culture, and cuisine—reflecting Sue's belief that "the world is the greatest professor." She carried that curiosity for learning throughout her life and passed it along to her children and grandchildren.

Yet for all her travels, Sue's greatest joy was her home. She cherished her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her husband John and her family were the center of her world, and she took immense pride in celebrating their lives—from birthdays and sports events to graduations, weddings, and quiet everyday moments together. Every home she created was filled with style, warmth and adorned with family photos.

She loved being surrounded by family—especially during Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and the 4th of July—and gathering everyone around the table for games and conversation. She was a spirited and formidable competitor in cribbage, cards, and bridge, where her quick mind and playful determination made every game memorable.

Sue's lifelong faith and service were recognized through numerous contributions and honors, recognizing her work with the Catholic Community Foundation, United Way, St. Catherine University, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Minnesota Orchestra, and the League of Catholic Women. An honorary doctoral degree recipient and commencement speaker at St. Catherine University, she was also deeply honored to be invested as a Dame of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, a reflection of her commitment to faith, charity, and service, and chose to wear this robe as her final resting attire.

Sue and John shared a deep commitment to community through their philanthropy. Decades ago, she dedicated the Lillian Theatre at Cretin-Derham Hall in honor of her mother, helping inspire generations of young performers and a residence hall named for her at St. Catherine. Their most lasting legacy, inspired by Sue's strong Catholic faith, is their dedication to the University of St. Thomas, including campaign leadership roles and various buildings around the UST campus named after the Morrison family. The most impactful dedication was the Morrison Family College of Health and the Susan S. Morrison School of Nursing—schools and programs that prepare future generations in a "whole-person care" model. Their impact later extended to Naples Community Hospital through the John and Susan Morrison Endowed Chair at the Wingard Stroke Institute, as well as the Emergency Department Building and Rehabilitation Center Building named after Susan S. Morrison.

Three and a half years ago, Sue suffered a major stroke. True to her character, she faced the challenge with determination and courage. With the help of Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville and Courage Kenny in Minneapolis, and through perseverance, faith, and hard work, she fought her way back to recovery—allowing her to enjoy many more precious moments, including family trips, many grandchildren's celebrations, her 85th birthday trip to Italy, and a special 65th wedding anniversary trip to New York City with John.

Sue's family extends deep gratitude to all her doctors, including Dr. Hermes Koop, and to her extraordinary caregivers—Ewa, Aneta, and Sherry—as well as the many caregivers, doctors, therapists, and supporters who cared for her along the way. Their compassion and dedication gave Sue comfort, dignity, and years of joy in her final chapter.

Sue believed she would be rejoined with her "angel wings" to see her dear sisters Kathleen Winkler, MaryAnn Lindberg, and Gloria Speiker, her parents Jack and Lil' Schmid, and many other beloved relatives. They are all awaiting her at the card table in Heaven.

"Gagy" Mom Sue leaves behind her beloved husband John; her children John Jr. (Carolyn), Julie, Jeanne (Mitch), and Mary; and her adored grandchildren: Morrison—Megan (Both), Matthew (Sophia), Katie; Cook—David (Omar), Merritt, Samuel, Jillian; Prisendorf—Jack, Teddy; Judge—Tanner (Kayla), Bayley, Sophie; and her great-grandson William. She also leaves behind her brother John Schmid, and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends who will forever cherish her presence in their lives. You know how much she loved all of you.

Thursday, April 9 - Visitation at 3:00-6:00 PM at David E Lee Funeral Home, 1220 Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391.

Friday, April 10 - Visitation at 12:00 PM, Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM at University of St. Thomas, Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, 2115 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105. Reception to immediately follow service at UST campus. The Celebration of Life will also be live-streamed at: https://stthomas.zoom.us/j/94620275278

Parking details:

Complimentary parking will be available in the Frey Residence Hall Parking Garage and Schoenecker Hall North Parking Garage. Access to both locations is off Cleveland Ave and will be marked with signs. Guests do not need to take a ticket, nor enter anything at pay stations. They should simply proceed to the parking exits where staff can direct them to the Chapel.

We are grateful to David E. Lee Funeral Home and the University of St. Thomas for their support. Service parking and funeral live link information will be provided on David E. Lee Funeral Website a few days before the services.

In lieu of flowers, please bring a card or send a card to the family.

Please wear something red to the celebrations in honor of our Mom's favorite color.

And now, as she enters her final faith journey, we imagine her stepping forward with grace, perhaps glancing back one last time with that familiar blue-eyed twinkle and red-lipstick smile, and reminding us what she always said before a big trip—"Vaya con Dios."