Kathleen McMurray

On October 31, 2024, Kathleen Troxclair McMurray passed away quietly in her sleep at the age of 94 after struggling for many years with dementia stemming from cerebrovascular disease. Born in Vacherie, Louisiana, on April 5, 1930, the second youngest of nine surviving children, she was a playful, spirited, smart, and athletic young girl. Despite contracting polio as a baby, Kathleen never let her condition define her or restrict her in any way.
Courageous and determined, she was the salutatorian of St. James High School and earned a scholarship to Louisiana State University, where she completed a degree in sociology and a certificate in social work. She worked as a social worker in New Orleans, where she met the love of her life, Stephen Ludlow McMurray, and where she and Steve lovingly raised four children. Kathleen enjoyed LSU sports, gardening, going out to eat, going to the movies, and spending time with her family. She was so proud of all of her children and later her grandchildren, who learned from her to keep their word, work hard, and honor their commitments. She said so many times how blessed she was to "have such wonderful children and grandchildren." A devout Catholic, she attended mass every Sunday until her health failed her and volunteered in later life for the perpetual adoration at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Kenner, LA.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Fabien and Laurence Troxclair; her sisters, Leona, Lucille, Mildred, Marie, and Virgie; her brothers, Claude, Warren, and Joe; and her beloved husband of 66 years, Stephen McMurray.
She is survived by her sister Hazel Troxclair Anderson; her children, Pamela McMurray Wiltz (Bill), Shawn McMurray (Ginny), Kim McMurray Driscoll (Bryan), and Colleen McMurray Pinero (Robert); her grandchildren, Stephen Guertin, Kathleen McMurray, Christopher Driscoll (Allison), Matthew Pinero, Margaret McMurray, Kelsey Driscoll Boucher (Ryan), Mark Pinero (Taylor), Michael McMurray (Kathleen Mowery), Gabrielle Wiltz, Madelyn Pinero, and Maria Pinero; and her great-grandchildren, Willow Wilkinson, Olivia Boucher, Wendell McMurray Mowery, William Driscoll, and Austin Boucher; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
The family would like to extend our sincere thanks and deep gratitude to Barbara Bellaci, Peggy Stahl and all of the staff at the Lake Villa House for the excellent and loving care they provided to our parents over the past four years.
Visitation will be held at Garden of Memories Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, Louisiana, from 9:00 - 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 30, 2024, with a mass following visitation, and burial following the mass.
Her life was a testament to her love of family and faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
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