Marie Therese (Novosad) Morrey
Marie Therese (Novosad) Morrey of Clear Lake left this world peacefully at home surrounded by her children and sister on September 18th, 2025, at the age of 78. Though her absence will be deeply felt, Marie’s life was a shining example of kindness, grace, and unwavering faith that continues to inspire all who knew her. She was genuine in every sense of the word – what you saw in Marie was a true reflection of who she was.
Marie was born to Mary Ann (Marie) and Adolph Novosad who built a life in Edna, TX. Marie graduated from Edna High School then attended college at Southwest Texas State University receiving a Bachelor of Education degree. She moved to Houston and began her teaching career in January of 1969 at La Marque ISD. After teaching at La Marque ISD, Marie transferred to Clear Creek ISD where she taught at Whitcomb Elementary for another 22 years. She met her husband, Al Morrey, shortly after moving to Clear Lake, and married on June 12th, 1971. Marie and Al had three children and resided in Clear Lake for over 55 years.
Faith was an integral part of Marie’s life. She and Al were charter members of St. Bernadette Parish in Clear Lake. She was deeply involved in volunteering, teaching Faith Formation (CCE), and actively participating in Christian Action.
In her leisure time, Marie found great joy spending time with family and friends, especially the time spent with her seven grandchildren. She also cherished the weekly lunches and going to the movies with her close friends. In retirement, she and Al had a passion for traveling and created lasting memories, including many wonderful vacations with their good friends, Jim and Mary Lou Pawlowski.
Marie’s resilience was one of her most defining qualities. She stood firmly for what she believed in, was quick to speak her mind, and faced life’s challenges with strength and courage. This toughness was never more evident than during her year-long battle with aggressive acute myeloid leukemia. Throughout that difficult journey, Marie endured five hospital stays, faced three separate treatment regimens – including two clinical trials and managed countless medications. Yet, even in the midst of physical pain and uncertainty, she met each day with determination and unshakeable spirit.
Marie touched countless lives with her humility and generosity. She was the friend who was there for you in need, the neighbor who noticed when someone needed a hand, and the family member who always made sure everyone else was okay before thinking of herself.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and kindness – values she lived daily and instilled in those around her. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on in every kind deed, every word of encouragement, and every act of faith she inspired.
Marie is survived by her three children Jeffrey Morrey of Fulshear, Tracy (Erik) Nygren of La Grange, and Gary (Lisa) Morrey of Sugar Land. She will especially be missed by her grandchildren: Macy and Charli Morrey, Lily, Reece, and Ella Nygren, and Travis and Meredith Morrey.
She is also survived by her siblings: Angeline Barber of Houston and Celine Cordary of Pearland. She will be greatly missed by her in-laws Bernie and Carla Morrey, Anne and Bill Quinn, Mary and Joe Matuskowitz, and John and Michelle Sneed, along with her nineteen nieces and nephews.
The family also gratefully acknowledges so many of Marie’s wonderful high school and college friends, friends from church and Whitcomb Elementary, and all those who had such a positive impact on her life. A special thanks to her best friend Mary Lou Pawlowski and sister Celine Cordary who were invaluable in her care, taking her to countless MD Anderson appointments and staying constantly by her side. The family would also like to thank Dr. Abhishek Maiti, MD and Amandine Ndje for the medical care and guidance they provided to Marie.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Marie, these were the charities that were important to her:
Tunnels 2 Towers, Samaritan’s Purse, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, MD Anderson
There will be a visitation Thursday, September 25th at Crowder Funeral Home in Webster (111 E Medical Center Blvd, Webster, TX 77598), from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a vigil service taking place at 7:00 p.m.
The funeral service be will Friday, September 26th at St. Bernadette Catholic Church (15500 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77062) at 10:30 a.m. With a reception and lunch to follow in the St. Bernadette Parish Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
I will continue to call Marie my sweet little Marie! Even though I haven’t been able to spend time with Marie the last 2 years during her sickness, our friendship and time together previous to that will always be cherished. We know how brave she was during her sickness, but the fact is she had that same brave, fiesty, personality in all of our years of growing up together, our recent years of “Moose Patrol” gatherings and fun whenever we were all together. She was the Queen of the Highway, never afraid to drive to meet us wherever we were going to be, whether it was to the airport to meet us for the Bahamas trip, or to zip lining in the hill country, or Port Aransas for our 50th birthdays. More recently the “Moose Patrol”slumber parties at her house and Garcitas Creekhouse found a group of little old ladies laughing and giggling and having so much fun!
My dear Marie, Eternal Rest Grant unto You, O Lord, and let His Perpetual Light Shine Upon You.!🙏🏻💕🙏🏻