Kimberly Morrisey

A woman who touched the hearts of many in Clatskanie, Kimberly May Morrisey passed away peacefully at the age of 57 on October 26,2024 surrounded by loved ones at a care facility in Tigard.

Kim was born on May 12, 1967 in Klamath Falls to Mike and Cheryl Morrisey and moved with her family to Clatskanie in 1969. She attended the local schools and graduated from Clatskanie High School in 1986. Kim earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education at Lower Columbia College in 1991.

Born with physical disabilities that kept her wheelchair bound, Kim faced countless surgeries throughout her life with courage and resilience. She was a familiar figure to local residents wheeling herself around Clatskanie's downtown area, up the hill and across Highway 30, using her strong arms and even stronger will. Several years before other health issues interfered with her fiercely won independence, Kim was victorious in her battle against breast cancer.

Optimistic, cheerful and kind, Kim was an advocate for disabled people and an example of character and endurance to the local community. She volunteered at Quincy-Mayger Elementary School, the Clatskanie Library, Turning Point, and the Farmers Market. Her Christian faith was a powerful asset in her life and she had been an active member of the Clatskanie Presbyterian Church and more recently of Faith Lutheran Church. She loved music, singing in the choirs of both churches, and participating in karaoke in local establishments.

Kim loved cats and shortly before her death she could name 19 of the feline friends she had enjoyed over her lifetime. In September of 2021, Kim suffered a major health crisis. After a long hospitalization, she spent her last years at a Tigard care facility, surrounded by stuffed toy cats, and hundreds of cards from her many friends. Despite her declining health she replied to the cards by dictating notes to her mother.

Kim was preceded in death by her father Mike. She is survived by her mother Cheryl Morrisey of St. Helens; brother Tod Morrisey and spouse Michelle; sister Chantel and spouse Herb Spiering, sister Nicole and spouse Bobby O'Donnell; two nieces, Liliana Morrisey and Kyrah Spiering all of Portland, Oregon; nephew Nick O'Donnell, spouse Carley, and daughters Summer and Sierra of Molalla.

A celebration of Kim's life will be held November 16, at 2 pm at the Clatskanie Cultural center, 75 S. Nehalem Street. A private family graveside will be held at Murray Hill Cemetery.

For those who wish, donations in Kim's memory are suggested to the Clatskanie Arts Commission, PO Box 1110 Clatskanie, Oregon, 97016, or the Clatskanie Senior Citizens INC, PO Box 383 Clatskanie, Oregon 97016.