The Grandmothers::Michelena Quinta Morris

This is Michelena Quinta Morris, nee D'Amico. My grandma, also known as Maggie, was born in Nordegg, Alberta on April 17, 1922. She was the fifth of six children born to her Italian immigrant parents.

She had a happy childhood and a life that was filled with hard work, music, and dancing. She loved music and she learned to dance as she stood on her father's feet.  She met the love of her life, Albert Morris, in the coal mining town of Nordegg, Alberta. They were high school sweethearts and stayed sweethearts all their lives. Grandma and Papa moved to Calgary in 1955 after living in Nordegg for 33 years. They had three daughters, Frances, Maxine, and Patricia. She had eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who all loved their Italian Nona. My grandma had so many talents. She drafted patterns and sewed for herself, her daughters, and her grandchildren. She planted a vegetable garden and shared it with all of us. Her homemade pasta and sauce, strawberry jam, and Italian doughnuts were the definition of home.

My grandma was funny, strong, kind, generous, and very compassionate. Her door was always open and she loved to help others. She was always our biggest supporter and took pride in all of our accomplishments. She had a beautiful smile and always had a twinkle in her eye. She was very proud of her Italian heritage. She loved dancing but mostly loved to dance with my Grandpa. They were true partners in every aspect of their lives, which was a great example for all of us.  She passed away at the age of 92 in 2015, just 2 days before her 93rd birthday. She left a strong legacy of family and love.

~Kathleen Howell