Dr. Mary Elizabeth Morrissey, longtime resident of Cedarhurst, N.Y., and Lexington, Virginia died on June 20, 2018 in Charlottesville at the age of 71. Her last moments were spent surrounded by her family.

Dr. Morrissey was a generous, caring person who was dedicated to her family and education, including for those with special needs.

Born December 12, 1946, Dr. Morrissey graduated from Stella Maris High School in Rockaway Park, N.Y., and Molloy College in Rockville Centre, N.Y.

Dr. Morrissey spent the early part of her career as a beloved educator at Lawrence Country Day School and Lindell School. Later, she went on to receive a master's in special education with honors from Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y., a master's in educational administration and professional development degree from C.W. Post in Brookville, N.Y., and a doctorate in gifted education with honors from Columbia University in New York, N.Y.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Thomas; daughter, Belinda; sisters, Barbara Lynch and Susan McCormack; nephew, Peter McCormack (Linsey), and her beloved dogs, Atticus and India.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial, June 28, 2018 at St. Joachim R. C. Church, Cedarhurst, New York. Interment will be July 3, 2018 at the Collierstown Presbyterian Cemetery, Collierstown, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: Rockbridge SPCA 10 Animal Place Lexington, VA 24450 Attn: Tara Rodi.