MARIA T. MORRISON
I was Born in Colombia, South America & my parents & siblings emigrated to the United States in 1963; First living in Hackensack, NJ, then Teaneck, NJ & then Paterson, NJ – we lived on 14th Avenue & 33rd Street, across the street from St. Theresa’s school & church & just up the block from Eastside Park … I loved it! My brother’s baseball games were held there; Every Puerto Rican Day Parade ended up there & we had a blast. Also loved every July 4th at the park where they always had fireworks & winters at the park were fun cause we’d slide down the snowy icy hills! I walked everywhere & took the buses on both Broadway & Park Avenue & 33rd Street. Every Friday & Saturday afternoon, made sure to go to Frank & Joe’s Pizza on Park Avenue.
I Went to School 20 (7th & 8th Grade) and I remember walking home for lunch & be expected to come back in time for class. I then attended Passaic County Technical/ Vocation High School in Wayne, New Jersey & there was no missing that bus (per my parents!). My older sister & brother attended Eastside High School & I would attend the school’s soccer games; my 2 younger sisters attended Paterson Catholic on Broadway, which has since closed its doors. During my high school years, I worked at the department store, alexander’s on Route 4. After graduating, I worked my first “real job” at City National Bank(?) in downtown Paterson on Market Street. I moved on to work at the Passaic County Board of Social Services (the welfare board) on Church Street. I attended Passaic County Community College (PCCC) while working at the welfare board. I ended up graduating from Taylor Business Institute in Paramus, New Jersey on Route 17 & then moved to Miami in 1982 & I have been here ever since.
I’ve been employed with the U.S. attorney’s office in Miami since 1982. I am with the victim/ witness unit in the office. It’s been a while since I last went “back home” but I still have the fondest memories; my cousins are still there; my best friend is still there & we still communicate as much as we can.
I’ll always remember and cherish my time in Paterson, New Jersey.
