Environmental Advisory Committee

Wilma Ritcher Morrissey, 83, of Allenwood passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 10, 2022, at Ocean Medical Center with her loving family by her side. She was beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and niece. Wilma was born on September 11, 1938, to William and Emma Richter in Brooklyn, NY. Wilma is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years John Morrissey, her loving daughters Linda Marie and her husband Stan Zelek; Susan Diane and her husband Rich Otten; her cherished grandchildren Christie and Michael. She was predeceased by her parents and her daughter Karen Ann and brother Walter Richter.

Wilma graduated from Cathedral High School in New York City. She married her college sweetheart whom she met at Bryant College, in Providence, RI, where both had graduated. At that time, she was an Alpha Phi Kappa sorority member and met John who was Kappa Tau fraternity. She spent the first two years of her marriage in Germany where John served in the military. She also graduated from Trenton State College with a degree in Business administration. In addition, she graduated from Central Michigan University with an M.A. in Management and Supervision. Wilma began her teaching career, after writing a co-ed curriculum for the Job Corps under federal guidelines, where she completed her student teaching. She worked in a federally funded adult training program at Middlesex County college in Edison before joining the staff at the Monmouth County Vocational District where she taught for the last 28 years before retiring.

Wilma was New Jersey State certified as a teacher of Comprehensive Business Education and received her Principal/Supervisor certification in 1984. She was an Evening School Supervisor for the Wall, Neptune, and Asbury Park Vocational schools in the Evening Adult Division for three years. Her greatest joy was teaching an intensive Office Systems Technology Program for adults for 20 years. She trained her students for employment as administrative assistants. She was a dedicated teacher who viewed the world as her classroom. Wilma considered teaching to be a privilege, and she was honored to be in such a noble profession. She received a Certificate of Recognition for outstanding teaching in 1993.

When the program ceased and giving person who volunteered her time graciously to the community. After serving on the Wall recreation Committee for a couple of years, she then served on the Wall Township Environmental Advisory Committee from 1995 to 1997 before becoming Chairwoman. She had held this position for the last 16 years and was an environmental advocate and activist. She originated the Environmental Essay Competition for the Wall District High School students, and she also originated the Environmental Poetry Competition for the Wall Intermediate School. These competitions are still on-going and sponsored by the WTEAC. She was also proud of the Allenwood Educational Native Garden which won two awards at its inception where it featured 70 varieties of native plants. There were many other environmental accomplishments.

Wilma was re-elected as the female County Committee District leader and is presently serving the residents in District 2 and has done so for a number of years. She also served on the NJEA Legislative Action Team for District 11 until her retirement from teaching. In addition, she is currently serving as a member and vice-chair of the Board of Adjustment. She was committed to making contributions to Wall Township in any way that she could.

Wilma was pleased to become a member of the Monmouth County Environmental Council and still enjoys serving in that capacity. She also served on the Camp Evans RAB (Restoration Advisory Board) as a Board Member. She was secretary/treasurer for the Manasquan River Watershed Association. In prior years, she was a member and trustee of the Shark River Environmental Roundtable until the organization dismantled in 2002.

She received recognition for all of her community volunteerism by the Wall Township Community Alliance Committee in March 2005. She was honored to receive the John R. Young 2004 “Citizen of the Year” award and was truly touched by their thoughtfulness.

In recent years, she also served as President of the Wall Republican Club. Her husband, John, credits her for being his best supporter and co-founder in establishing his successful accounting practice. She was a great mom and devoted grandmother to her precious grandchildren. To her family and friends, they remember her for her passion for chocolate, her collection of books, her loyalty, commitment, compassion, volunteerism, strong organizational skills, and for being the unique individual she was-never to be duplicated and always a teacher at heart.

She was an advocate on the environment and was strongly absorbed in political and educational issues. She loved the computer; she could be found enjoying the Atlantic Club pool.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday May 18, 2022, from 4-8 pm at Orender Family Home for Funerals 2643 Old Bridge Road Manasquan, NJ. Interment will be 11 am on Thursday May 19, 2022, at Brig gen. Willian C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, North Hanover, NJ. In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Wall Township Environmental Advisory Board 2700 Allaire Road Wall Township, NJ 07719. To send condolences to the family please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net.