Leah Rae Morse's Obituary
Mrs. Leah Rae Morse, age 91, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, February 13, 2026 in Muskegon, Michigan. Leah Rae was born in Fremont, Michigan on June 29, 1934 to George “Ted” and Catherine “Billie” (McCormick) Seymour. She graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School, Class of 1952, and continued her education at St. Mary’s Nursing School. Her life’s path changed on July 31, 1954, when she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, James “Jim” Morse. They moved to Indiana, where their first three children were born while Jim attended and played football at the University of Notre Dame. Leah Rae’s focus soon shifted from nursing to what became her greatest joy; being a devoted and loving mother to their seven children. Mom was an avid sports fan with Saturday favorites being Notre Dame and Michigan State Football. She was a die-hard Detroit Tigers supporter, and her grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader at countless games and events. She took great pride in her home on Mona Lake, where she gave special attention to her perennial garden. Leah Rae was a Muskegon girl at heart who loved her nightly rides with her husband around the lake. Together, they shared a love of skiing that took them well into their 80’s. They cherished their families’ second home in Aspen, Colorado where they shared many fond memories and years with their children and grandchildren. Leah Rae remained active throughout her life. She was generous with her love and unwavering in her support of her family, embodying the very best qualities of a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by six children, Barbara, Cheryl, Kristi, Patti, Lee Ann, and Bobby; 24 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Mary Lou Murray. Leah Rae was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Jim; son, Jim Jr.; her parents; and siblings, Sister Barbara Ann Seymour, Pat “Toots” Larsen, Richard “Dick” Seymour, and George “Peach” Seymour. A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held 11:00 AM Friday, February 20, 2026 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (2929 McCracken St.) with Rev. Msgr. R. Louis Stasker presiding. VISITATION with the family will be one hour prior to her Mass at St. Francis on Friday, and from 5-7 PM Thursday, February 19, 2026 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 with the ROSARY prayed at 4:30PM. MEMORIALS in memory of Leah Rae may be directed to Muskegon Catholic Education Foundation or Harbor Hospice Foundation. You may sign her online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com
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