Search by Name

Search by Name

Deborah Murdock Obituary

Deborah died, in the company of family members, on Sunday, March 10th from a recurrence of acute myeloid leukemia, from which she had been in remission since September 2023. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Robert Bryan, a younger brother David, resident in California, and her two children by her first marriage, respectively: her son Angus Murdoch, his wife Kristen Parker and their two children William and Sadie; and her daughter Lydia, Professor of History at Vassar College, and her husband Andrew Evans and their two sons Christopher (Kit) and Henrik.

Deborah was born to Dale and Rosanna French Harrah in Toledo, Ohio, where she spent her childhood. She graduated from Ottawa Hills High School and attended Vassar College. After a few years spent in San Francisco, she and her family came to Virginia in 1968 and soon moved with her then husband and toddler son to a rustic, cold and inexpensive rental at the then empty plantation house at Eastern View in the Green Springs area of Louisa County. Newborn daughter Lydia joined them there in 1970. As she did throughout her life, Deborah quickly made friends in the community, and helped organize the successful "Save Green Springs" campaign that now protects the area's numerous historic homes and agricultural landscapes as a designated National Parks Historic District.

Moving to Richmond, she worked for the Historic Landmarks Commission of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Through this work she became familiar with historic homes throughout Central Virginia, including what was in 1976 to become her beloved home, Laughton, in Kents Store, a late 18th and early 19th-century example of a yeoman farmhouse, in sorely dilapidated condition. Divorced, she finally took sole possession in 1977 where she lived with her children sans electricity, save that sporadically produced by a recalcitrant propane generator. She finally persuaded the State Corporation Commission to oblige the electric company to run the necessary lines, setting a precedent that helped other rural homeowners. After her marriage to Robert, they, with the active collaboration of her son Angus, embarked on a gentle restoration of the house, which was eventually listed in the National Register of Historic Properties.

Deborah worked in real estate from Charlottesville, specializing in rural older houses, and ultimately as an agent with McLean Faulconer. She also collaboratively penned a series of articles on the bicentennial of the Revolution published as a special supplement by the Daily Progress. She was politically active, serving a term as Chair of the Fluvanna County Democratic Party and acted as a Poll Watcher at numerous elections. She served for many years as Vice-President of the Fluvanna Historical Society and was an authority on David Ross, the leading landowner in Virginia in the 18th century, digitally transcribing his letter book now resident at the Virginia Historical Society library.

Deborah was well travelled, accompanying Robert to scientific gatherings around the globe, and visiting his family in London. She and Robert enjoyed memorable visits to Tuscany, the Veneto and Northern England with their longtime friends Marvin Moss and Judy Mickelson. However, both she and Robert had a special attachment to the Engadin Valley of Switzerland which, until the onset of the Covid-19 epidemic, they visited annually: in winter to cross-country ski and in summer to enjoy the mountain air. Of the changes in summer activity that took place over the years she was to remark, "First we climbed, then we hiked, later we walked and finally we ambled." She enjoyed one final trip to London and Switzerland in January of this year during her brief remission.

The funeral will be private, but the family will host a gathering at Laughton to commemorate her life and achievements. The date is not yet settled but will be publicized. It was also her wish that in lieu of flowers, etc., donations might be made to one or more of three organizations: Hospice of the Piedmont, who provided dedicated care during her first bout with AML; the Farmington Beagles, at one of whose hunts she and Robert met, and with whom she was a "keen" participant; and the Fluvanna Historical Society in support of its efforts to restore the old County Courthouse in Palmyra.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Progress from Mar. 15 to Mar. 16, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Murdock

Not sure what to say?





Zaida Meade

June 22, 2024

Debbie has been an important part of my life journey. I remember meeting her when she lived in SF.
While I adjusted to living in Ca, she went to Virginia and was not far from my hometown of Charlottesville. When she was in real estate, she worked with Libby Palmer, my childhood friend from elementary through high school. If Carter Falconer was part of the real estate company, she and I knew each other too. Visited the very first historic and rural house/home with my then two children and their father. Debbie, as David, her brother, visited my family in Charlottesville. They joined all my four siblings and spouses and met everyone. Debbie later visited my Mom at her independent living residence. I have always been in awe of Debbie and her many accomplishments. She is one of a kind and very very special to me.
Zaida

Mardi Crow Potts

June 21, 2024

I just shared this with JB and he remembered when we visited Debbie that she had just returned from riding a horse on fox hunt!

Mardi Crow Potts

June 21, 2024

I was so sorry to read today that Debbie passed away. (She was always Debbie to me)! My sister-in-law, Cynthia Crow happened to Google her and saw her obituary and beautiful picture. She was my first cousin as her mom Rosanna was my aunt. We came from a large Crow family as Debbie's mom was one of 6 girls and my dad was her brother. I send my deepest condolences to you, Robert, Lydia, Alex and to David Harrah, her brother. (Today happens to be David's birthday). What an amazing woman your dear wife, mom and sister was and to so many. It was probably almost 35 years ago when we last saw Debbie when we took our two sons to the east on a historical journey. We had a lovely day together. Sending our deepest condolences and blessings to you all... Mardi Crow Potts

Rick Crow

June 21, 2024

Today the Crow Family out West first learned of the passing of Deborah Murdock in Virginia. She was a wonderful cousin who spent her lifetime in Virginia, raising what you know was a close family these last many decades. Please let me know if there will ever be a family service that we might be able to attend.
Rick Crow

Edie Sheerin Patterson

March 27, 2024

I am so so sorry to read of Deborah's death. My parents, Edith & Charlie Sheerin, so enjoyed her company. When my mother met Deborah when working with Polly McGavock and John Royer at their firm. As a fledgling realtor she so appreciated Deborah's knowledge. My parents delighted in the company of Deborah and Robert-wit, whimsy, knowledge, erudition and passion for all things D(d)emocratic and her wonderful smile. I send my deepest condolences to Robert and her family.

Jim Faulconer

March 20, 2024

Dear Robert, Lydia, Alex and Family,

My Associates and I at McLean Faulconer, Inc. express our deepest sympathies to you all over the passing of Deborah. We all have such wonderful memories of Deborah, and her energetic and inquisitive nature, as well as her love for history and architecture , especially in Virginia.

We hope that your sorrow will be comforted somewhat by the many fond memories that you have of Deborah. Some Associates, including myself , have known Deborah for almost 50 years, and we will always remember her fondly.

Our condolences and our love goes to you,
Jim Faulconer and McLean Faulconer, Inc.

Beckie Buggs & Family

March 18, 2024

Robert, Lydia & Alex,
I am so sorry to hear the passing of your wife & mother. I have know Debbie for 50 years and had the pleasure of working for her for 30 years. She will be greatly missed.
Love Always!

Billy Sublett

March 16, 2024

So sorry to read of Deborah's passing. We became friends in the '70s between Green Springs organizing and Democratic campaign work. She was a real force of nature, a natural leader and intricately knew where her North Star would guide her. Her friends and family have lost an authentic, witty voice for the goodness she lived. May your memories of her be a blessing always.

Moses Woode

March 16, 2024

Dear Robert,
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved Deborah. May she rest in peace. May God comfort and strengthen you and the family during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy and condolences,
Moses Woode

Rob Langdon

March 15, 2024

Rest in Peace, Deborah. You had an incredible journey. You and your contributions will be sorely missed. My condolences to the family and friends.

Daniel R Friedman

March 15, 2024

Condolences to Robert and Deborah's family. Deborah helped me find and buy a 1730 cottage in southern Albemarle and we were friends thereafter for decades. Her passion for historic preservation was authentic. She was well-educated, well-traveled and always witty. May her memory be a blessing.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Deborah Murdock's name

Memorial Events
for Deborah Murdock

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Deborah's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Deborah Murdock's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more