Mary Theresa (Riley) Morris

SCARBOROUGH – Our wonderful mother, Mary Theresa (Riley) Morris, died on Aug. 23, 2022 with loving family members by her side. She was known for her strength, energy, and talents, and we miss her terribly.

Born Nov. 13, 1928 in Portland to James F. Riley and Margaret Alma Riley, Terri grew up in Portland with her five siblings.

In the mid-1940s, Terri and the entire family worked at her parents’ seasonal restaurant, Westcustogo Inn in Yarmouth, where she waited on Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Davis and Gary Merrill, Myrna Loy and other celebrities.

She graduated as salutatorian from St Joseph’s Academy in 1945 at the age of 16. She enrolled at Deering High School for an additional year before going on to graduate magna cum laude from St. Joseph’s College in 1950.

Terri was a classically trained soprano. She sang in choir at church, soloed at funerals and was hired for weddings and club parties. This led to her having her own radio show, “Time for Terri”, at WMTW (1950-1952).

She married John J. Morris, Jr. in 1951 and began raising her family, having 10 children in under 12 years. She was known for walking everywhere, no matter the task—friends would remember her carrying stacks of Angelone’s Pizza nearly two miles as a special treat for her brood. Despite having such a large family and with resources stretched, each child (and eventually grandchild!) was made to feel special, including one-on-one trips to Quebec, Nova Scotia, and special events.

Terri was incredibly active. Her bicycle was her constant companion and she made several multi-day trips, some encompassing hundreds of miles. She held several records in corporate track while working at UNUM. She ran 10 Beach to Beacon road races, the last at 90 years old, winning most in her age category.

Terri always pursued her passion for theater through community theater musicals, taking lead roles like Lizzie in “110 in the Shade” or in “The Lion in Winter” (two of her favorites!). She supported other local theater groups, enjoying innumerable performances from Maine to New York.

Terri returned to her academic pursuits in 1984, earning an MS.Ed. in counseling from the University of Maine, and continued her career path at a law firm and G.M. Pollack before retiring to Florida, a lifelong ambition.

Terri was predeceased by her parents; and her five siblings, Carolyn J. Sullivan, R. Anne Redmond, Blanche C. Mack-Davis, Thomas E. Riley, and James M. Riley. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Michelle M. Morris, in 2021.

She is survived by nine of her 10 children, Stephanie A. Morris, Theresa F. Morris and spouse Colin M. Martin, John C. Morris, James P. Morris and spouse Sherry Francis, Patricia E. Morris and spouse Ron Bailyn, Mark J. Morris and spouse Laura, Martin T. Morris, Jeffrey N. Morris and spouse Monica, Robert P. Morris and spouse Lisa. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren; by her sister-in-law, Mary T. Honan, and brother-in-law, John S. Marr Sr.; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside ceremony is planned for Nov. 12 at Pine Grove Cemetery in Falmouth at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at Keeley’s Banquet Center in Portland, 1 to 4 p.m.

The family is grateful to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for their extraordinary care during Mom’s final days.

Please visit http://www.AdvantagePortland.com to sign Terri’s guestbook and leave memories and condolences for the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Terri’s favorite charities, including: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Christopher Reeve Foundation, United Negro College Fund, and American Indian College Fund.