Remembering Marcy Morrison: A Trailblazer in Colorado Politics and Community Leadership
Remembering Marcy Morrison: A Trailblazer in Colorado Politics and Community Service
Marcy Morrison, a pioneering figure in Colorado politics and a beloved community leader, passed away on Friday morning at the age of 90. Known for her quiet determination and unwavering commitment to public service, Morrison’s legacy is one of breaking barriers and championing causes that mattered to her community.
“She just had so many passions and she made things happen,” reflected Natalie Johnson, a Manitou Springs City Councilwoman and mayoral candidate, as she remembered the former El Paso County legislator. Morrison was often the first woman to hold the positions she occupied, a testament to her trailblazing spirit in a time when female representation was scarce.
Morrison began her political journey in the 1970s as the first female member and president of the Manitou Springs School District Board of Education. Her advocacy for the creation of Bear Creek Nature Center marked her transition to county-level politics, where she served on the El Paso Board of Recreation and Parks.
In 1984, she made history again by becoming the first woman elected to the El Paso County Board of Commissioners. Political commentator Eric Sondermann noted her environmental advocacy and impartiality in land-use decisions, stating, “She was never their candidate. She never carried water for them.”
Elected to the Colorado General Assembly in 1992, Morrison served for 12 years, known for her willingness to cross party lines while maintaining her independence. “If there was a criticism of her, it was that she wasn’t always a team player,” Sondermann remarked, highlighting her popularity among constituents compared to party leaders.
After a brief retirement, Morrison returned to public service as the mayor of Manitou Springs in 2001, where she continued to inspire others, including Johnson, who fondly recalled their shared love for murder mysteries at Johnson’s bookstore. Following her mayoral term, Morrison served as the state insurance commissioner under Governor Bill Ritter, where she played a crucial role in implementing national policy changes under the Affordable Care Act.
“She was a warrior for consumers,” Ritter said, recalling her efforts to negotiate with insurance companies to protect young people’s access to health coverage.
Morrison remained active in community initiatives until her passing, recently advocating for the renovation of Manitou Springs’ Carnegie Library and discussing upcoming school district bond increases at her 90th birthday celebration.
Her impact extended beyond politics; she was a mentor and a friend to many, including Sondermann, who first met her as his Sunday school teacher. “In Manitou, she’s going to be one of those sort of legends,” Johnson said, reflecting on Morrison’s profound influence on the community.
Morrison is survived by her husband, Howard “Buddy” Morrison, with whom she shared a 68-year partnership, as well as two daughters and three grandchildren. “She set a bar super-high,” her daughter Brenda Morrison said, encapsulating the enduring legacy of a woman who dedicated her life to serving others.
Services for Marcy Morrison will be held at Temple Shalom on Monday, September 8, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made to the Manitou Art Center or Westside Cares, honoring a life dedicated to community and service.
