Anna Morton
Anna Morton (Ry Ry), born Anna Szasz, was the loving and devoted wife of Brian Morton for 42 years, mother of Race (Nari), Laurel (Brent), and Liam. A proud grandmother of Ryder and Gunner Myers, Phoebe, Scout, and Indy Morton, she was also a loving sister to Joshka and brothers Martin and Andrew.
Anna attended West Geauga High School, then went on to John Carroll University School of Veterinary Medicine where she was crowned Homecoming Queen in her sophomore year. She enjoyed a long career in the veterinary field, starting early at age 16, riding her bike to work, her love of animals knew no bounds. Being mentored and working alongside the vibrant and spirited Dr. Richard A. Novak for 33 years, left a lasting impression. In addition to veterinary medicine, she devoted 37 years working at Alpine Valley Ski Area managing the office, bar and also on ski patrol. A joyful time spent alongside some of her closest friends and family, she formed bonds and memories that would last a lifetime.
A woman of devout faith, Anna loved the great outdoors, hiking, skiing, biking and tent camping. Anna and Brian spent their honeymoon in the Outerbanks, biking over 575 miles, exploring the two largest Sounds in the world. She enjoyed annual trips with multiple families to Canada involving bear encounters, snorkeling, polar bear plunges, cave exploration, noise violations for “Honk, it’s my 40th birthday”, rice divers cove, rafting, swimming in Georgian Bay and campfires with many critters. Anna had a passion for physical fitness. She enjoyed attending Jazzercise Studio in Chesterland for 40 years where she formed many lifelong friendships in a community of faith, strength and support. She loved all animals, especially horses, birds, cats and dogs.
She was always helping everyone with their animals. When in need of medical advice for your pet, she was the one to call and many did, making you her top priority. She also rescued many animals, finding them the best homes, which many times meant at the foot of her own bed. When her own dog Daisy became paralyzed, through love and patience, she did not give up hope and conquered the impossible, rehabbing Daisy to walk again. Her calm demeanor in the toughest situations earned her tremendous respect.
She absolutely loved country music, especially George Straight. Attending his concert on her birthday with her darling sweetheart Muffy, roads trips with her ‘sisters’ and listening to music for hours upon hours, created memories that will live on to be deeply cherished. Anna had a vast knowledge of gemology and one of her favorite hobbies was closing down flea-markets with her best friends. Searching for hours, looking through ‘treasures’ with her dear, adventurous, ‘Buttercup’ Wendy. Anna had a humble nature. She and Brian spent many years living in a small cabin, in the middle of the woods, where they raised their first two children Race and Laurel, while building a magnificent log cabin, creating a dream home where they welcomed their third child, Liam; a place where family and friends gathered often and were known for their legendary Christmas Eve gatherings. Anna and Laurel would spend days preparing, cooking and baking cookies with her nieces.
A strikingly beautiful woman, Anna will be remembered for her polite nature, her grace and her tolerance, her charm, and her smile, so reminiscent of her mother Agnes’s. She will be remembered for her strength and her bravery, and the sound of her laughter.
She will be greatly missed
February 24, 1958 - May 30, 2023
“Everybody loves birds.”
A Funeral mass for Anna will be held on the Summer Solstice, Wednesday, June 21st, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Anselm Parish. At the conclusion of the mass, a grave site service will be attended by immediate family only.
