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Avril Catherine Morris Obituary
Loved to the last, Avril Catherine Morris (nee Shilton), died on February 18, 2025, after a valiant battle with stomach cancer, in which she gave as good as she got.
She will be greatly missed by her family, including her children Paul, Benjamin (Melissa), and Elizabeth, her grandsons Heath and Ian, her husband Stanley Morris, her sister Dorothy Nicolson, her nephews Richard and Ellis Nicolson and their families, the extended Morris family, and her many, many incredible friends.
Avril was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1941. She survived a difficult childhood that included hiding in bomb shelters during the blitz in World War II and rationing that lasted for years after the war’s end. Her faith, her resilience, the support of her friends, and an incredible inner strength always urged her onward and shone through in her kindness to others.
After training as a physiotherapist, she led a life of travel and adventure. One such trip landed her in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, where she met her husband Stan on a ski trip sponsored by the YMCA. Impressed by his athletic abilities, the two married in 1970 and remained married for almost 55 years. They shared happy times kayaking and camping together.
Children always brought Avril joy. She worked for many years as an Education Assistant helping kids reach their full potential through her patience and encouragement. She was also proud of the award-winning garden she helped bring to life at Elginburg Public School.
Avril was honoured to be a member of ChestMates, the Breast Cancer Action Kingston dragon boating team, which she joined later in life. The camaraderie she found with her teammates was extremely important to her and she appreciated the support of her fellow breast cancer survivors – especially over the last year.
Avril was blessed with many, many incredible friends over the course of her life. They were a huge support to her and she cared deeply about them. Avril particularly wanted to thank all of you for being there for her. The family would also like to thank the Providence Care hospice team and the community palliative care team for their compassionate care during the end of her life.
Living on Cronk Lake in Sydenham, Avril was happiest walking the trails with her neighbour, Carol, and the various dogs she loved over the years. This was her happy place, and in her final months, she would dream of these woods whenever she needed peace. We hope she is there now, reunited with all of her dogs, enjoying the beauty around her.
A Celebration of Avril’s Life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Sydenham Street United Church (The Spire), 82 Sydenham Street, Kingston followed by a luncheon reception.
Parking is limited at the church. Accessible entrances are located on either side of the church. We ask that you reserve the parking spaces closest to the church for those with mobility challenges. Several parking lots and on-street parking spaces are available within a short walk of the church.
In lieu of flowers, Avril has asked for donations to Southern Frontenac Community Services for their support during her years of caregiving for Stan, or to Doctors Without Borders.
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September 19 1941
February 18 2025
Death notice for the town of: Kingston, Province: Ontario
death notice Avril Catherine Morris September 19 1941
February 18 2025
obituaries notice Avril Catherine Morris September 19 1941
February 18 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Avril Catherine Morris September 19 1941
February 18 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
