Elisa Morin's Obituary
Mrs. Elisa Morín
(1930-2020)
Born Elisa Colón García in Ponce, Puerto Rico in 1930, she was the child of Mr. Nicolás Colón and Mrs. Palmira García. Her father having passed away at an early age, Elisa grew up poor in Depression Era Puerto Rico. Too impoverished to be cared for at home, she spent years as a child living in an orphanage run by Catholic nuns in her hometown. There, she leaned to sew, cook and embroider. In 1948 at age 17, she moved to New York City, as part of the large out-migration from Puerto Rico of the time. She married William Morín, who also moved to New York City from Ponce, Puerto Rico, after having served in World War II. Both worked in factories upon their arrival to the City. William later became an employee of and eventually retired from the New York City Housing Authority. Elisa became a teacher’s aide in preschool programs, serving most of her years with the Little Star of Broome Day Care Center. They raised six children—Elizabeth, Wilfred, José Luis, Magdalena, Raymond and William—in public housing projects on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. William senior passed away of cancer in 1994. Upon her retirement from the Little Star of Broome Day Care Center, Elisa came to live with her daughter, Magdalena, in San Mateo, California, where she lived for the last 20 years. Her surviving children remember their mother as loving, hardworking and dedicated steadfastly to their well-being. Family and friends will remember her always for her determination and perseverance as well as her caring and giving nature. All who knew her will truly miss her.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Elisa Morín College Scholarship Fund by visiting jjay.cuny.edu/donate or by calling (212) 887-6185.
What’s your fondest memory of Elisa?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elisa?
Share a story where Elisa's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elisa you’ll never forget.
How did Elisa make you smile?
