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CATHERINE MARSHALL MURRAY 1/15/29 4/3/11 Catherine Marshall Murray passed away April 3, 2011. She was born on January 15, 1929 in Rochester, NY at the Mayo Clinic where her father, Dr. James M. Marshall, served on staff. Her mother was Mary Elizabeth (Yancey) Marshall. She grew up in California and attended the Westridge School in Pasadena, Stephens College in Missouri and Pomona College in California from which she graduated in 1950. In the fall of 1950, she got her dream job as school teacher and hostess at Smoke Tree Ranch, a residential resort in Palm Springs, CA. That's where Cathy met L.T. (Tom) Murray Jr. on a blind date, which resulted in a proposal very shortly thereafter, and marriage on December 30, 1951. Cathy's first three years of married life were spent in Mineral, WA, where during the week Tom worked as a logger, and weekends in Tacoma. After the births of their three children, L.T. III (Toby), Elizabeth, and Jamie, the family moved permanently to Lakewood. Cathy and Tom spent many happy times with friends and family there, as well as at homes on Maui and in Palm Springs. Cathy deeply cherished the peacefulness of both ocean and desert. She was an avid member of the Tacoma Country & Golf Club, the Aloha Club and the Tacoma Junior League where in 1960 as the Daffodil Girl, she starred with many others in the 1960 Junior League Follies. Cathy was very active at Christ Episcopal Church, serving over the years on the Vestry, Altar Guild, and on Rector Search Committees, as well as the local branch of the American Cancer Society, and on the Board of Charles Wright Academy. Cathy was the ultimate hostess with her warmth, laughter, and unflappable good humor, and entertained family and friends constantly, regardless of location. She was a voracious reader of both poetry and prose, fiction and non-fiction, which, combined with her keen interest in others, made her a wonderful conver- sationalist! She was always number 1 on the preferred seatmate list at sit-down events. She is survived by her loving family, husband Tom Murray, son Toby and wife Laurie, daughter Elizabeth Mirante, son Jamie and wife Sandra, grandchildren L.T. IV and Kelsey Murray, Kate and Kyra Mirante, Bailey and Julia Murray, sister-in-law Anne Murray Barbey, brothers Mike [Patty] and Joe [Molly] Marshall, and sister Fonia [Dick] Humphries, and step-brother Jim Boyle, plus numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces of multiple generations. Cathy was sustained all her life by her love of God, family and friends. Her loss will be shared by everyone who knew her. Memorial services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 310 N K St, Tacoma, at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, with a reception to follow at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club in Lakewood. Memorials may be sent to Christ Episcopal Church.
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6 Entries
To the Murray Family,
I would like to express my condoences in this difficult time. May God bless and keep you all safe.
With deepest regards,
Robert Pullinger and Paula Newland.
April 11, 2011
The entry after Kevin came from me Laura Meadowcroft..(Hofberg) ...I miss you Cathy!!!
Laura Hofberg
April 10, 2011
Dear Tom, Toby, Liz, Jamie and all the Murray family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Cathy's passing. She was a terrific lady, a generous friend, and a great supporter of all of us and all our endeavors. I will always remember her wonderful laugh and her shouting: "HELLO KEV!" whenever I saw her. My thoughts are with you all.
Kevin O'Rourke
Kevin O'Rourke
April 10, 2011
Dear Tom, Toby, Liz, Jamie and extended family;
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of your Mom. I remember her with such fondness and warmth. She was always so welcoming of your home and too everyone that walked through the door. I will always remember her laugh. She made the best cookies! My parents always had such fun at the many, many parties that were put on in your family home. Our family histories go way back to Mineral, and she will be truly missed.
With Love, Isabel
Isabel Lindberg-Campbell
April 10, 2011
Tom, Toby, Liz and Jamie,(and your families)
I am sure it is no secret how much I loved and coveted Cathy. She not only was a neighbor and a friend, but a kind soul who made everyone feel special. I will never forget the tea parties she used to throw for me (and my stuffed animals).....I will never forget her love for owls...I will never forget her sharp mind and wit. She was a lady in every sense of the word!! I send love to you the family. I send love to Cathy and gratitude for showing me what the word "gracious" is all about! I will miss you Cathy! You will always be in my heart!
April 10, 2011
Dear Tom, Toby, Liz, Jamie and Family,
I am saddened to learn of the loss of my longtime friend Cathy. My thoughts and memories of her kindness and generosity will remain with me forever. May the love she showed us all be preserved in our hearts always.
Tom
Thomas Owen
April 9, 2011
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