BATAVIA, N.Y. (WKBW) — Renee Morris, 38 of Portageville, was a mother of four, a Christian and a dear friend. She died in a horrific crash last week. Her friends are now trying to rally behind the four daughters she left behind.
"It's been hard seeing the seat she used to sit in and she's not there anymore," said Paige Zosh, her classmate at Genesee Community College, where she studied nursing.
She was 80 days away from graduation.
"She was a leader in the group and well respected by her peers," said Rachel Czechowski, her instructor.
Morris leaves behind four daughters. Two were injured in the crash. The girls' father says one child is still in the hospital, but both are recovering well.
"We're going to have a long road ahead of us. In terms of the recovery physically, emotionally and mentally from the trauma," said Jeremy Morris, the girls' father.
The nursing team now has a new name: Renee's angels. They're selling t-shirts to raise money for the Morris girls and collecting pink flowers to give to the family. They want to bring comfort to the family, the same way Morris comforted them every day.
"You always hear after someone dies that they were the greatest person, but she personified that to the greatest extent. She was just a great person," said Amy Bagley, her classmate.
They plan to leave her an empty seat at graduation and her teachers plan to induct her into the Nursing Honor Society, as she had consistently high grades.
They've also started a GoFundMe page for the girls. You can bring flowers to the GCC Nursing building at or email pzosh@my.genesee.edu.
Services will be held on Sunday, March 8, 3 p.m. at Old Paths Chapel, 181 South Main St., Perry, NY 14530.
