Beryl Morris, 99, formerly of Dunstable, England, left this world on Friday, February 28, 2025, at her daughter’s Julie’s home in Marston Moretaine, England, surrounded by loved ones.

She was my mother-in-law, my husband’s dear old Mum, and even though Roy and I have been married almost 22 years, she and I only ever visited each other maybe 10 times due to the distance and an ocean between us, but that didn’t mean I loved her less. She was my Mum, too.

Beryl was was born on November 14, 1925 to Stephen and Doris (Clarke) Oliver in the coastal town of Llanelli, Wales, a child of the water, and as a young teen she worked at the local piano factory. She had the hopes and dreams of any young girl, but then Adolph Hitler came into the picture and World War 2 erupted, and at the tender age of 16, Beryl voluntarily enlisted in the Women’s Royal Navy Service.

She told me she remembered the air raid sirens and the bombings. It was so vivid in her memory that years ago when she and my father in law visited, they stayed at the inn beside the Sugar Valley Fire Company, and when the fire whistle blew during the night, they both jumped out of bed thinking we were being attacked.

PHOTO PROVIDED Beryl is seen at a tea party in Bury St. Edmonds.

When talking about the war, she initially told me she was stationed in Scotland making bicycle seats for soldiers, but around her 95th birthday she told her family about the nda papers she had signed. She revealed that part of her duties as a WREN was being a house lady in London where she looked after high profile commanders, often traveling all over the United Kingdom with them, moving wherever they went.

Some of her wards were quite notable and Beryl spoke fondly about her time caring for them, even retelling Roy and I some of the details during our last visit to her in 2022.

Two of her favorites were 1940’s film star Margaret Lockwood, and Ian Fleming. Fleming served in the British Naval Intelligence Division, rising to the rank of Commander while playing a role in covert operations, including planning Operation Goldeneye and overseeing intelligence units like the 30 Assault Unit. Although he was a British war hero, Americans might know him best as the creator of James Bond.

Beryl also cared for a young British Lieutenant, Philip Mountbatten, who was frequently visited by his then-girlfriend, Princess Elizabeth of York. Years later, the two would become the world’s most famous married couple: HRM Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Only after Prince Philip’s passing in 2021 did she share these secrets with her family, saying she could no longer get into trouble. Beryl also met Sir Winston Churchill but “not close enough to smell his cigar.”

Following the war, Beryl returned to Llanelli, where she met her future husband, William “Alwyn” Morris, also a WW2 Navy veteran, whom she married on October 6, 1951. They later moved to the Luton/Dunstable area, where they spent 69 years building a life, and a family, together until Alwyn’s passing on May 29, 2020.

PHOTO PROVIDED Beryl Morris with her children, youngest to oldest left to right. Roy Morris, Mairwen Howson, Julie Bishop, Gary Morris, and Michele Connolly.

Beryl was a strong, intelligent, and resourceful woman who embodied traditional British values. Her five children all say she was a person of patience, never truly losing her temper, and she never spoke ill of others. She could still speak and understand the Welsh language, and when the kids were young there were occasions she would revert to Welsh when speaking to Alwyn when she didn’t want them to know what they were saying. She was a forward thinker with a passion for learning and staying active, often walking to the shops to get her groceries until just a few years ago. She was well ahead of her time. Her rich Welsh accent, kindness, wit, and tact, made her a joy to be around. She often solved life’s problems over a cup of tea, saying a reassuring “nevermind dear,” meaning to “put your worries behind you.”

She enjoyed various hobbies, including puzzles, knitting, drawing, and reading, and cherished time spent with her daughter’s black lab, Willow. She loved old musicals especially the Sound of Music and Singing in the Rain. She was well known for her sewing skills and at one time she considered becoming a professional seamstress in the fashion world. Meals and conversations were held in the small family kitchen overlooking the garden. Her home cooking, especially her Cornish pasties and Sunday Roast dinners, which included Yorkshire pudding and apple crumble with custard, were always favorites.

Her travels took her to Canada, Australia, Spain, and here in Clinton County to our home in Loganton after Roy immigrated here. She loved her visits to Sugar Valley and getting to know the people. She enjoyed learning about Amish customs and exploring the countryside. She often asked about the folks at Kauffman’s store, and former Loganton Mayor, Dave Shreckengast, who married Roy and me in 2003.

Throughout her life, Beryl accumulated numerous titles, including soldier, vacuum cleaner assembler, and domestic supervisor at the local hospital; however, her most cherished roles were those of Mum and Gramma.

Welsh poet Dylan Thomas wrote one of the most famous poems about growing older, saying “Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” Several times in her life, death came knocking at Beryl’s door, and she did indeed rage against it. She tried her best to reach 100, but her body grew tired, even though her spirit was strong. When it was her time, she was surrounded by family, comfortable in her own bed, and she slipped away onto her next adventure, and to meet Alwyn, who was undoubtedly waiting for her on the other side.

In addition to her husband and parents, Beryl was preceded in death by her brothers Brian Oliver, and Phillip Oliver, both of Australia.

Beryl Morris is survived by her five children, Michele Connolly (Tony), of Bury St. Edmonds, England; Gary Morris (Sharon) of Newport Pagnell, England; Julie Bishop (Paul) of Marston Mortaine, England; Mairwen Howson (Graham Cooper) of Leighton Buzzard, England; and Roy Morris (Amber) of Loganton, Pennsylvania.

She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Sarah McDade, Jamie Howson, Gary Howson, Beckie Howson, Kelly Campbell-Brade (Lessiale), Jodie Morris (Tom), and Dan Bishop (Jade Nixon), all of England; and Tyler Gentzel, Ewan Morris, and Gavin Morris, of Loganton; and 6 great-grandchildren Robyn Walters, Jake Bishop, Evie Campbell-Brade, Elsie Campbell-Brade, Oakley Howson, and Darcie Gilbert, and baby boy Bishop due the end of March.

Sympathy cards to her family may be mailed locally to her son Roy Morris, 15 West Main Street, Loganton, PA. 17747

Everyone has a story, and some have fuller stories than others. Beryl’s persona was so vibrant that it’s impossible to fully capture the essence of her loveliness within the constraints of time and space. Her passing leaves a huge void for all of us, but she will never be forgotten.

Heddwch yn y Hedd. May you rest in peace.