Marlene Atwood Morris was born in Paterson, New Jersey, on March 13, 1932, to Dr. and Mrs. Edward A. Atwood. She attended and graduated in 1949 from The Kimberley School for Girls and then Columbia University, where she earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree in 1952. Her nursing career began in Obstetrics but she was quickly enamored with the Operating Room. She swiftly rose to a leadership role and became Operating Room Supervisor. She served several hospitals over the course of her career. She enjoyed a reputation for running the OR effectively and loved "cleaning up" poorly run ORs. She was a strong patient advocate and always fought for the safety and comfort of her patients. She often battled administration and doctors to provide the very best care for her patients. She moved her family to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in the mid 1960s, where she worked full-time and raised her 3 children.

In the middle of her career she gave up nursing for a while and began selling ocean race boats and classic cars. She loved the ocean and boating. She would frequently load up the boat and kids and cruise to the Bahamas for the weekend. She loved music and was a talented and accomplished pianist. While in nursing school in New York City, she got to jam with Louis Armstrong in Greenwich Village. When her children grew up, she moved to San Diego, California, where she met the love of her life, Gwy Morris. She was happily married to him for over 30 years. She retired from nursing and spent her time traveling extensively, entertaining, and enjoying living. Gwy was the light of her life and a joy to our family.

Following Gwy's passing she moved to Ormond Beach to be close to her children. She was active in her church, grief share group, and volunteered at Halifax Hospital in the surgical waiting room. She enjoyed the people at the hospital and cherished being a part of the surgical team once again. Still concerned for her patients and their families, she always wanted to keep the families up to date with the surgical process. She loved to educate families about the surgical procedures of her patients. She took joy in helping people and interacting with them.

She passed on May 19, 2015, and is survived by her children: R. John Vagovic, (Kandy), Kim Barker, (Peter), Karan Wallace, and Doreen Schaub; five grandchildren: Allison Kennedy, Kevin T. Vagovic, Katie Rebillot (Dylan), Jordan Vagovic, and William Schaub; and one great-grandchild: Parker Gwy Kennedy. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends. She stood as a beacon of light and hope. God bless her soul. A memorial service in her honor will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2015, at 1:00 P.M., at Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church, 105 Amsden Road, Ormond Beach, Florida, 32176. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.