Carmen Catherine Murray

1923 - 2010

Carmen Catherine Murray August 7, 1923 - October 13, 2010 Viewing will be held between 12:00 - 5:00 p.m., October 17, 2010, at Greenlawn Mortuary, 3700 River Boulevard, Bakersfield, California. Rosary and Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 18, at St. Francis Church, 900 H Street, Bakersfield, CA. Private graveside services will be held in the Garden of Roses at Union Cemetery. Our wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Carmen Catherine Murray was born in Santa Cruz, CA to Pellegro and Marie Mon Bertolucci on August 7, 1923 and passed away peacefully in her sleep at her Bakersfield home on October 13, 2010. Carmen's family moved to Bakersfield in 1936, where she was attended Emerson Grammar School and graduated from Kern Union High School in 1942. She graduated from Los Angles City College with a dental assistance degree and was later employed by Dr. Zimmer as a dental assistant. With Carmen, family always came first. Called "Mom" by all family members, Carmen took great pride in her devoted husband, Jim, of 59 years, his work, their three children and nine grandchildren. Whenever the need, "Mom" would always drop whatever she was doing to care for her family. She took great pleasure in her family, especially her grandchildren, whom were always very special to her. Carmen will especially be remembered for her loving nature, generosity, and many kindnesses. Her family and friends will forever cherish her honest, no nonsense, pragmatic outlook on life. Her zest for life will be recalled as one who enjoyed sun bathing on the beach in Carpinteria, playing the slots, working in her garden, cooking for all, and her Early Times before dinner. One of Carmen's great pleasures was hunting for wild mushrooms. She had an exceptional fondness for all animals, especially her cats. She was preceded in death by her father and mother and is survived by her loving husband, Jim Murray; daughters, Germaine Echenique, Kristin (John) Moore, and Laura (Mike) Etcheverry; grandchildren, Julia, John, and Emily Moore, Jeff, Rose, Jenny, Amy, David, and Christine Etcheverry; brother, Vincent (Bernita) Bertolucci; sister, Maryanne (Jack) Keown; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to give special thanks Dr. Clerou for his attendance and care of "Mom" through out her life. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes a donation be made to the ASPCA, St. Francis School, or your charity of choice. www.bakersfield.com/obits