Joy Rita Morrison

Joy Rita Morrison

joy morrison

September 24, 2012 ~ September 24, 2012


Resided in: Fremont, CA

Joy Morrison, nee Hallenbarter, was born in San Francisco on June 2, 1936 oldest child of Frank and Carmel Hallenbarter. She grew up in the Mission District and attended St. Peter's Academy. It was there, in 1956, that she met Gus Morrison, at that time serving in the US Navy on a ship in San Francisco. In 1959, they were married, a marriage which lasted until her death on September 20, 2012, 53 years. They moved to Fremont, with their young children, in 1963. During their entire marriage, Joy was the backbone of support for the family, caring for and raising their three children, Frank, Gloria (Ritchie,) and Heather (Meyer.) She stayed home and provided stability while Gus worked at Lockheed and became involved in local politics. Gus eventually got elected to the Fremont City Council and served a total of more than 25 years on the council, including more than 14 as Mayor. During all this time, Joy avoided the public eye. She would often say 'I give my husband to politics; I don't need to give more.' She was a private person, content to live her life as she chose and quietly contributed to the community in ways that were important to her. Joy had a special affinity for all children, and found ways to make the lives of less fortunate children better. She organized and ran toy drives at Christmas. Always thrifty, she shopped sales after the various seasons saving purchases for the next holiday. She, made Easter baskets, filled backpacks for back to school, and donated countless toys to ensure children had new presents at Christmas. She never wanted thanks and donated most things anonymously. It was always for the children. Joy very quietly touched the lives of many, many children in our community. Joy is survived by her husband, Gus, her three children, and her three grandchildren, Garrett and Meghan Ritchie and Ainsely Meyer. Her twin Gloria Hallenbarter and younger sister Fran Buntrock, along with an extended family of nieces, nephews, and grand nieces also survive her. In accord with Joy's lifelong beliefs, she wanted a simple, private service. The family will honor that wish with a private memorial service. Joy often expressed concern about how much people spent on flowers at funerals, thinking that money could be used to make a child's life better or to make some small difference in the community. In lieu of flowers, she would appreciate it if you would do something simple, a gift, a toy, a helping hand for a child in her memory. If you wish to do more, she loved the work of both Abode and the One Child Foundation, so a contribution to their efforts would please her. On behalf of Joy and her entire family, we offer thanks for all the prayers and good wishes over this last difficult month. We have always believed that Fremont is a special place, and you have proven it once again. With all of our hearts we thank you.

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joy morrison
Joy Morrison, nee Hallenbarter, was born in San Francisco on June 2, 1936 oldest child of Frank and Carmel Hallenbarter. She grew up in the Mission District and attended St. Peter's Academy. It was there, in 1956, that she met Gus Morrison, at that time serving in the US Navy on a ship in San Francisco. In 1959, they were married, a marriage which lasted until her death on September 20, 2012, 53 years. They moved to Fremont, with their young children, in 1963. During their entire marriage, Joy was the backbone of support for the family, caring for and raising their three children, Frank, Gloria (Ritchie,) and Heather (Meyer.) She stayed home and provided stability while Gus worked at Lockheed and became involved in local politics. Gus eventually got elected to the Fremont City Council and served a total of more than 25 years on the council, including more than 14 as Mayor. During all this time, Joy avoided the public eye. She would often say 'I give my husband to politics; I don't need to give more.' She was a private person, content to live her life as she chose and quietly contributed to the community in ways that were important to her. Joy had a special affinity for all children, and found ways to make the lives of less fortunate children better. She organized and ran toy drives at Christmas. Always thrifty, she shopped sales after the various seasons saving purchases for the next holiday. She, made Easter baskets, filled backpacks for back to school, and donated countless toys to ensure children had new presents at Christmas. She never wanted thanks and donated most things anonymously. It was always for the children. Joy very quietly touched the lives of many, many children in our community. Joy is survived by her husband, Gus, her three children, and her three grandchildren, Garrett and Meghan Ritchie and Ainsely Meyer. Her twin Gloria Hallenbarter and younger sister Fran Buntrock, along with an extended family of nieces, nephews, and grand nieces also survive her. In accord with Joy's lifelong beliefs, she wanted a simple, private service. The family will honor that wish with a private memorial service. Joy often expressed concern about how much people spent on flowers at funerals, thinking that money could be used to make a child's life better or to make some small difference in the community. In lieu of flowers, she would appreciate it if you would do something simple, a gift, a toy, a helping hand for a child in her memory. If you wish to do more, she loved the work of both Abode and the One Child Foundation, so a contribution to their efforts would please her. On behalf of Joy and her entire family, we offer thanks for all the prayers and good wishes over this last difficult month. We have always believed that Fremont is a special place, and you have proven it once again. With all of our hearts we thank you.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

  1. Candle
  2. Candle
  3. Candle
  4. Candle
  5. Candle
  6. Candle
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  8. Candle

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