NAPA - There is a new angel singing in heaven. Vera Morrison passed away peacefully on June 23, 2009, at the age of 83. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her endless family stories, delicious cooking and caring spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Vera was born in Edgar, Mont., on July 18, 1925, to Grant and Goldie Atkinson. She grew up the second child of seven on a farm in Pryor, Mont. As a teenager her family moved to California, where she later met and married the love of her life, Loyd Morrison. The two were married April 19, 1947, in Visalia. They eventually moved to Napa, their home for more than 50 years.

Vera’s family was the center of her life. “Gram” always had a camera to capture her grandkids on film. She loved reminiscing about old times with anyone who would lend an ear. She enjoyed quilting, antiquing and traveling throughout the western United States. She especially cherished the annual family camping trips to Yosemite Lakes and visiting her relatives in Porterville. Vera also loved to bake. Loyd would drive her and the grandkids all the way to the Sebastopol Apple Blossom Festival to find the best Gravensteins. Together they would pick, peel and prepare her famous pies.

Vera is survived by her husband of 62 years, Loyd; sons Richard and wife Brenda, and Dale and wife Sherri; eight grandchildren: Toni Bailey (Todd), Rick Phillips (Gina), Matt Phillips (Michelle), Tracy Kvidahl (Chris), Chris Morrison, Ben McCormick, Sean Morrison and Bradley Morrison, and many great-grandchildren. She was welcomed into heaven by her parents, her sister Doris, and her brother Al.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. Interment will follow at Tulocay Cemetery.