Obituary of Lois E. Morris

MORRIS Lois E. (O Hara Shay), 85 of Ebensburg, passed away September 7, 2015 at home. Born January 21, 1930 in Johnstown, daughter of the late Oliver and Cleda (Bloom) O Hara. Preceded in death by husbands Glenn Shay and Hugh Morris; brother William O Hara, and sister Winfred (O Hara) Benante. Survived by son Donald, married to the former Suzette (Scaife) Shay, Nanty Glo; Don s half-brother, Glenn Shay, married to the former Regi Heffner, Vintondale; grandson Donald (Tracey Cabala) Shay Jr.; granddaughter, Lindsey (Shay) Kline, and close cousin and friend Michael Joe O Hara. Lois was the granddaughter of Ira Bloom who was the first president of the Cambria County Fair. A gifted and talented violinist, Lois taught private lessons and played for both the Johnstown and Altoona Symphonies for many years. She had been honored to be the only person to play the Prince Gallitzin Violin and was charged with its care and regular maintenance. She was also the recipient of the Prince Gallitzin Cross Award. Retired from the former U.S. Bank in Ebensburg. A member of the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in Loretto, where she often played for special events. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Wednesday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg, where a vigil prayer service will be held. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, at the Basilica of St. Michael, the Very Rev. John Byrnes, celebrant. Committal at Lloyd Cemetery, Ebensburg.