Maria Cecilia Pierson Prieto Morehouse, 77 crossed beyond the veil on November 18, 2023 while in her Overland Park, KS home.  Fondly called "Cece" by close friends and family, she had Alzheimers which had been progressing for the last 8 years.

A burial of her and late husband Russ Morehouse's ashes and Celebration of Life will be held on April 27, 2024 – detailed information will be provided here https://tinyurl.com/cecemorehouse

Her parents Bonita Ramsey and Ernesto Pierson gave birth to Cece on November 22, 1945 in Fort Collins, Colorado. She completed a B.A. in 1976, and a Master of Arts, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1978 from the University of Puerto Rico, receiving the Lewis C. Richardson Award for having captured the humanistic aspect of TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) while at the University of Puerto Rico.

She married Jaime L. Prieto in 1964, while he served in the US Air Force. Jaime Jr. was born while stationed in Oklahoma in 1965, and Maria was born in Virginia in 1969. After Jaime Sr. completed his service tour in the Vietnam war, they moved the family to Puerto Rico in 1971. Here Cece learned Spanish and began teaching English in 1972, later specializing in English as a Second Language (ESL).

After returning to Kansas City in 1980, Cece developed her professional career at Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) where she served as English as a Second Language ( ESL) program Coordinator and Assistant Professor / Humanities 1992-2007. Cece had an infectious spirit with students from all over the globe. She also was the advisor for two student groups: Student Organization of Latinos and International Student Organization. Through this labor of love, Cece coordinated with students countless diversity education events and programs. In 1997, Cecilia Co-founded with Melanie Scott a new department at KCKCC- called "The Intercultural Center" or ICC, which served the needs of international and multicultural education on Campus.

In 1994, Cece married Russell Morehouse, who worked at TWA for 42 years, which enabled them to travel the world. Cece and Russ were very happy together – and had the habit of dancing together any time they had music playing.

One of Cece's main hobbies was caring for her garden, which she experienced as a place to commune with God.

Cece was a lifelong Catholic, attending Catholic schools for 15 years, graduating from Sacred Heart High School in Salina, KS, and she attended Marymount College in Salina. In a letter addressed to Bishop Robert W. Finn, she writes "I remember the elation of Vatican II and realizing that we the people are the church. We are the body of Christ. The mass is a meal shared by all – all around the same table as Jesus did with his mother and his disciples." Later in life, she completed the Souljourners Ecumenical Formation Program with the Benedictine Sisters in Atchison, KS, becoming a Spiritual Director.

Her love for music—playing the piano, singing in choirs, strumming the guitar, and spreading joy through Christmas carols and dance—brightened the lives of all who knew her. Her life journey was one woven with love, dedication, and a resolute positivity that left an indelible mark on everyone around her. CeCe found joy in life's simple pleasures—music, dance, and tending to her vibrant garden and beautiful flowers. Her infectious spirit effortlessly forged bonds of friendship and laughter wherever she went.

Her grandson Alex Miguel Prieto-Rivero will miss baking gingerbread cookies together, her caring advice, and reciting the Prayer of Saint Francis together.

Her close friend Carol Normandin: "My memories of Cece are dominated by her huge capacity for joy and her unique ability to bring the best out of people whether teaching them writing or harmonizing with them at the piano. Cece loved traveling, having fun, laughing, dancing, and all things beautiful."

Her daughter Maria remembers her infectious zest for life, which especially shone during holidays, where her singing and traditional Spanish songs united everyone.

Her son Jaime is most grateful for the seeds of personal growth and spirituality that she planted early on, her positive outlook on life, her incessant appreciation of natural beauty, and her keen sense of humor.

Cece is also survived by four brothers, a sister, a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Cece's name to The Center for Nonviolent Communication https://www.cnvc.org/donate or to the Animas Valley Institute https://www.animas.org/donate/

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