Ellenjean "Ej" Morris

Ellenjean “Ej” Morris, 81, passed away on August 21, 2024 after a long battle with dementia. 

The devoted daughter of the late Francis and Esther (nee Pictor) Morris, Ej was born and raised in Evergreen Park, IL. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and a master’s in social work from the University of Missouri. She settled in Denver after college and worked for the State of Colorado in various public health roles until she retired in 2005.

Ej was an adventurous traveler (Peru, Ecuador, China, Russia, and Ireland among many destinations), with limitless curiosity and a love for life that knew no bounds. Loyal, kind, compassionate, caring, smart and insightful, she had an infectious smile and laughter and never met a stranger. She was an accomplished photographer and a competitive race-walker with many medals to show for it. She lived her life by her favorite quote from Auntie Mame: “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving.” You feasted when you were with Ej. 

Preceded in death by her brothers Patrick and Robert (Kathleen), she is survived by her beloved brother Gerry (Diane) of Mercer, Wisconsin, her cherished nephews Jeff and Daniel and niece Monica, many dear cousins, and her best friend Sallie (Steve) Keeney and the Keeney family. 

Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 87th & Hamlin St., Evergreen Park, IL on September 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., to be followed by a celebration of life at the annual Pictor family picnic which she loved so much. A celebration of life in Denver will be held in October.