Alice Faye Murray

1938 - 2024

LAKELAND, Fla.- An amazing trailblazing woman passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024, Alice Faye Heath Murray of Lakeland, Florida, formerly of Fayette, N.Y.

Alice born the first child of Howard and Henrietta (Henry) Heath September 25, 1938 of McGraw, New York

Alice shared 69 years together with husband, Daniel J Murray in lifelong learning and leadership service that benefited industry, education and economy of agriculture, their true passion.

A graduate of Cortland State in 1960, she taught school at her alma mater, Truxton Central and Seneca Falls, N.Y. continuing to substitute teach at Romulus Central School.

Alice and Dan started their own family dairy farm – Dan-Al Farm in Fayette, N.Y. in 1962. The farm enterprise gave rise to her leadership opportunities in local, regional, state, and national responsibilities with NYS Farm Bureau. Alice volunteered many years as the leader of Clover Hearts 4-H club, Seneca County Dairy Princess Program, Romulus Central School District Board of Education member and President of the Board. She had the honor to present diplomas to her children.

Alice was a tireless force in creating RCMA. A dairy pricing cooperative with determination and focus to improve the milk pricing for dairy farm families. She traveled extensively in the Northeast, including Maine through Ohio and Virginia.

She lent her skills and fiscal experience while serving on the Seneca County Farm Home Administration Board and Town of Fayette Planning Board.

Meeting people and traveling the world took Alice and Dan to Grand Cayman where they would spend decades enjoying winter respite, snorkeling, and creating lifelong friendships. Together, Alice and Dan traveled to see and capture new ideas and collect family histories. These trips were epic experiences for their factually collaborated genealogy collection.

Alice was a craft master in knitting and cross stitch, her handiwork is prized in her family and friends' homes. Alice would always have a meal ready and was glad to share her homemade pies!

In true travel fashion, Alice spent winter months in Twin Palms Park, Lakeland Florida serving on the Homeowners Association Board and enjoyed competition in shuffleboard and card playing, often representing Polk County, Fla. in senior games.

Family filled Alice's daily life as the mother of Johana (Allan) Merrill of Fayette, N.Y.; Thomas Nancy) Murray of Waterloo, N.Y.; Rochelle (Ray) Stein of LeRoy, N.Y.; Brent (Nancy) Murray of Homosassa, Fla.; Diane (Jim) Morris of Wilson, N.Y.; and Michael (Ann) Murray of West Redding, Conn. Fifteen grandchildren and twenty four great-grandchildren, who all have inherited the inspired learning gene in a variety of fields of study.

She also leaves behind brothers: James Heath, Cortland, N.Y., Edward (Lois) Heath of Belton, S.C., Lewis (Judy) Heath of Homer, N.Y.; and sister, Jane and Bruce Wilson of Seneca, S.C., along with several nieces and nephews.

All mourn her passing, especially Dan.

Alice is predeceased by her parents; sister-in-law Dawn Heath; daughter-in-law Jodene; and a beloved grandchild, Benjamin Scott.

A celebration of life for Alice will be held on Wednesday (August 7) at the Fayette Fire Department Hall at 10:30 am. Come as you are and share a meal with the family.

Memorials in Alice's name may be made to Fayette Fire Department, PO Box 41 Fayette, N.Y. 13065.