Mary Carol Morningwake (Shoemaker) passed away unexpectedly on November 19, 2015. Mary was born in York, Pennsylvania on December 26, 1958 to Dr. Norville Eugene Shoemaker Jr. and Mary Ellen (Belles). She was the third of four siblings Walter, Mark and Barbara.
Mary married Harry Morningwake in 1984. From this union they had twin daughters Stacey and Carrie. Mary’s daughters were her heart. Mary never thought she would be a grandmother or Meemaw, the term she would lovingly be called, but she was blessed with one grandson Asher in September of 2012. Being Asher’s Meemaw was one of Mary’s greatest joys in life. She loved spoiling Asher every chance she got and considered him her sunshine.
Mary’s true passion in life was being a registered nurse. She served beyond the call of duty for more than 25 years in multiple communities all over the United States, enhancing the lives of patients and coworkers. Her compassion, IV skills, and laughter will sorely be missed.
Mary would not want us to mourn her life but instead to celebrate it. Read a book! Mary was an avid reader. Go skiing! Mary learned to downhill ski in her 50’s and loved showing off her moves at Colorado’s ski resorts. Walk, hike or ride a bike! Mary loved spending time hiking and snowshoeing Colorado’s extraordinary trails and mountains. Travel! Mary loved being on vacation!
Mary is survived by her twin daughters Stacey and Carrie Morningwake; grandson Asher Morningwake; the Morningwake herd of dogs; ex-husband Harry Morningwake; mother Mary Ellen Shoemaker; brothers Walter Shoemaker (Jan), Mark Shoemaker; sister Barbara Yamaguchi (Koichi); favorite nephew Oscar Yamaguchi; dogs Cinnamon and Skittles; and her extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father Dr. Norville Eugene Shoemaker Jr.
A celebration of Mary’s life will take place at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4125 Constitution Avenue, on December 2, 2015 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers a scholarship fund is being set up in Mary’s name so future nurses may have greater opportunities of success.