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Mary Alice Murdock

1945 - 2016

BORN

1945

DIED

2016

Mary Murdock Obituary

Mary Alice Murdock
Sept. 11, 1945 ~ Dec. 6, 2016
Our beloved Mother, Grandmother and sister passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 6th from respiratory failure. Mary Murdock (Warner) grew up in Minnesota and moved to Utah, where she taught for more than 15 years at Kearns Jr. High. Mary was a gifted teacher who impacted the lives of many of her students. Mary was deeply passionate about Native American rights and she loved cougars and the Minnesota Vikings football team. She leaves behind her brother Barry (Maureen) Warner, two daughters; Suzanne (Mike) Austin, Leah (Karsten) Shumway, and four granddaughters, who were the light of her life. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. Her daughters want to thank the dedicated caregivers at Traditions for helping take care of Mary. A family memorial will be held for Mary in Minnesota on the shores of her beloved Lake Superior. In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to No More Homeless Pets or the American Diabetes Association.

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

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Dec. 11, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Murdock

56 Entries

Hazel Yliniemi

December 5, 2023

Think about Mary often. This fall when the trees were beautiful I recalled our horseback rides with some students after school.

Marilyn Dean (Toole)

January 3, 2023

I'm so sad to hear that she passed on. I think about her often and de idea today to try to look her up to thank her. I had a terribly difficult childhood. She was always so kind and caring towards me and every other student of hers. She kept me after class many times to ask if I was okay and to offer me words of comfort and wisdom. She was an instrumental part of my life. I wish I'd looked her up sooner. A remarkable woman that will be greatly missed. Thank you Ms. Murdock. From the bottom of my heart. My condolences to her family.

Bryan T.

May 21, 2019

The song "Forever Young" just passed through my mind and I thought about Ms. Murdock as I often do. She was a wonderful teacher who loved her students and had an incredibly positive influence on me during a challenging time of life. I am sorry to hear that she has passed on.

My oldest daughter will be starting 7th grade next year and I can only hope she has a teacher half as dedicated and inspiring. God be with you until we meet again.

Sara Newkirk

September 9, 2017

Such a great loss for anyone that never had the chance to experience the love and caring and honesty that she showed. I cannot believe that I just found out about her passing. I had the great pleasure of living in the same neighborhood as her. Walking by, she would always have the biggest smile on her face. I also had the privilege of attending her class all 3 years at KJH. MAM was the reason I started writing. The reason I even had the courage to put thought out into the world and onto paper. She always taught us to be strong and true to who we are.
My fondest memory was the upside down chin performances she'd make us all participate in, rather shy or not. The Cinderella show was my favorite. I remember her always playing music. And I remember that she always had an open door policy when class wasn't in session, so anyone that may need to, could lean on her.

You will be greatly missed. With a broken heart, I will miss you.

Mathistad Dennis

July 16, 2017

Mary was in our Class of 1963 in St. James, Minnesota.

Anthony Medici

May 25, 2017

I knew the Mrs. Murdock had passed but for some reason I felt the need to search for her obituary. She was by far one of my favorite teachers I've ever had. She had such a sweet spirit and always loved her job. She was my 9th grade English teacher 27 years ago and I will never forget how on the last day of school she would always play "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart for her class that moved on to high school. Sure do love this lady! RIP Mrs. Murdock!!

Bea Frederickson

January 10, 2017

Mary and I were first cousins. Though we had not seen each other since childhood days,
I felt close to her and enjoyed our phone visits. She was an inspiration, and I will miss her very much.

December 20, 2016

Mary and I were friends for over 40 years, and kept in touch frequently. I will miss her and our conversations about the books that we were reading. God bless your memory.

Sunny Gill

December 20, 2016

To Suzanne and Leah-
My heart goes out to the both you. I lost my mother last year and there are no words to describe that feeling. As proud as you are of your mom, I still remember her glowing with pride when talking about both of her daughters. With that said, I hope you find warm comfort in flood of sincere thoughts and memories from those she influenced as a teacher, mentor, and friend. I was lucky to have MAM for 3yrs as an English teacher and the privilege of her mentorship as a student government advisor. MAM was a genuinely kind person who saw a potential for greatness in her students that most did not see in themselves. I can honestly say she is one the few people that set the trajectory of where I am today, and more importantly, helped mold me into a good human being. MAM is what I first remember every time I drive past KJH. Please know that many thoughts and prayers are with MAM, both of you, and your families through this tough time.

Kindly,

Sunny Gill

Carol Snowden

December 13, 2016

I was so fortunate to have been a co-worker of Mary's for several years at Kearns until she retired. She was admired and respected as a teacher and friend. Love and healing prayers to her family.

Suzy Austin

December 12, 2016

Dear Friends and Former Students,

Thank you so much for your kind words of sympathy and sharing all your great memories of my mom. It eases the heartbreak of losing my beautiful mother too early.

For her former students, please know that teaching you all brought her joy. She would come home almost every night and share a story of something that happened in her classes that day. Thank you for the love you showed her then and now.

For her friends and co-workers, thank you for every act of kindness you did for her. It meant a lot to her and to her family. She would often tell me about something helpful or kind you did for her.

For my mom- I will miss you so much. I keep wanting to pick up the phone to call you and chat or ask your advice. Thank you for giving me the gift of faith so that I know I will see you again. I praise God for your life and the countless sacrifices you made for me and Leah while we were growing up. Thank you for being the kind and loving grandma you were to our girls.

Until I see you again, I will hold you in my heart. Thank you for being my mother and first teacher. I love you forever.

~Suzy

CHERYL HANDY

December 12, 2016

Ma -- I was so blessed that I got to have you as my friend and not just as the mother of one of my best friends. You made me smile and my memories of you are precious.

Last night , I sat and talked with Suzy about some of the good times in the more tgan 25 years of friendship. More and more memories keep coming up. Eating at our favorite Italian restaurant in Cedar City when we went to the Shakespeare Festival. Ma rolling down the window as we drove up the canyon to Cedar Breaks, hanging her head out the window and sniffing because she wanted to get drunk on the smell of the air. That naughty twinkle she would get in her eye during the Green Show when she would call for a tart wench. She gave me a teapot and cup once that were decorated in a style that reminded us both of the amazing set design for the production of Midsummer that we both loved. Our shared love of books and Shakespeare was a solid bond.

There are so many other things that I could say. One thing that I remember best about Ma was her love of teaching and her love of her students as individual people. I met several of them over the years when I visited her home because they remained her friends. I read all of the tributes here from her students and I'm not surprised by the love they still have for her and the impact she made on so many lives. She made an impact on mine.

Ma -- I know that you have all of your kitties and critters with you now. A big hug to you and love to Flicka, Bear, Butterscotch, Stormy Cat, Zoe, and Sara.

Jennifer Burdett Parker

December 11, 2016

To the Murdock family. I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Mary (Mrs. Murdock). She taught me at Kearns Jr high and was honestly my favorite teacher EVER. I've often wondered about her throughout the years. My dad passed away on the 7th. His obituary ran today and to my (unfortunate) surprise I saw Mrs. Murdock directly above. My thoughts go out to you at this time. She was a wonderful teacher

Karen Carter

December 11, 2016

Sweet Mary,
Your students have said it all. You made a difference in the lives of so many young people. You were amazing! You were also loved by many of our co-workers. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, your former students and all who loved you and love you still.
Rest in Peace,
Karen Carter
Former Co-Worker at KJH

Yvonne Krause

December 11, 2016

Thank-you Mary, aka Ms. Murdock for teaching 4 out of 5 of our boys. They have all kept up with their writing. They all remember you. I was glad to have seen you a couple of times after you moved into your memory care unit. You were very influencial in part of the rearing of our (now) men.

Weston Ingramm

December 10, 2016

She was my absolute favorite teacher and everything she taught me stuck with me my entire life. Some of my best memories of school took place in her class, I'll miss her dearly.

Tamara Thomas

December 10, 2016

My dearest Mary, I miss you so much already. I'm so glad you are my friend! The years sped by too fast - I wasn't ready for you to leave. I'll miss our lunches and our long talks. I still need our time together. Please be my friend forever ...

Thank you!
Love, Tamara

Jeremiah Curry

December 9, 2016

Ms Murdock was my 8th grade GT English teacher. I have fond memories of that class. We did more than just read books and write papers, we did trials, explored different kinds of writing and learned about kindness.

I remember her love for animals (I think she asked us not to use papermate supplies because they did animal testing), McGyver, and her GEO Storm.

Camille Davis (Jacobson)

December 9, 2016

MAM, I hope to be the person who is remembered as fondly as you. A great teacher and person of excellent character. I said "oofda" just the other day and thought of you. Sending love to your family, you are missed.

Sam Coulsey

December 9, 2016

I was one of her students who was blessed to have her as my teacher. She was an excellent human being and teacher. Condolences to her family.

Shayla

December 9, 2016

Before Ms. Murdocks class as a young teen I preferred video games over books. That summer before eighth grade she assigned us to read a dozen books of our choice. Grudgingly I did the assignment until about the eleventh book when I started to visualize the words instead of just read them and I had an epiphany! I loved reading! My sustained love for reading in general can be attributed to the right amount of challenge and pressure given by this outstanding educator so long ago. As a teacher myself now I share this experience often. Her legacy is carried on and I will be forever grateful for the priceless gift I received in her classroom. Sending love.

Valerie I

December 9, 2016

Mary Murdock was my Jr High English teacher. For three years she encouraged me to read, to think, and mostly to WRITE. I would not be the prolific writer I am today if it wasn't for her encouragement. I still treasure the little notes of feedback she wrote on my writing assignments. She was a great friend. When my mom had cancer while I was in 8th grade, and Ms Murdock helped me get through that. We didn't stay in touch as much as I would have liked, but I never forgot her. I will miss her greatly.

David Ockey

December 9, 2016

I had MS. Murdock in the 8th grade. is something like 1989. This many years later I continue to remember when she signed my year book. She put to David.. My favorite 1st period student. I can look back and remember how much that meant to me. It took a few years, for me to realize she likely wrote that on every students year book. However, it made my year that year. She was a loving women, who genuinely cared. She made a difference where it counts one by one in the life of each student. To her family: My heart hurts for you. She awaits a glorious reward! Thanks for sharing her with me.

James Krause

December 9, 2016

Ms. Murdock taught each of the five brothers in our family. I have found memories of ninth-grade English. She encouraged me to study hard and to develop my talents. The first real research paper I ever wrote was in her class. In part because of her example and encouragement, I ended up getting a PhD in Spanish and Portuguese and now I teach literature at a local university. She had an enormous impact on my lives.

Janina (Gonzalez) Basham

December 9, 2016

This woman left a legacy , an inspiring teacher at KJH and a person who wanted all to succeed. I'm so grateful for her encouragement and kind words. What a privilege it was to know Ms. Murdock . She has not been forgotten ❤
Our condolences to her family

Cherisse Scott

December 8, 2016

Mrs. Murdock was by far and away my favorite teacher at Kearns. She understood me in a way no other English teacher did and treated all of us with respect. My heart is broken and I am so sorry to her children and grandchildren for her loss. I will never forget her.

Amie Smith

December 8, 2016

best teacher ever, she was always there for me, and I will never forget when she hugged and comforted me when I was feeling down. My condolences to her family.

Elisha Rhodes

December 8, 2016

MAM,
You were a light in my life, a positive influence and a great friend. Thank you for the gifts you shared with me, and all of us. Memories of you will stay in my mind forever. Until our souls cross paths again :)

Adam Watkins

December 8, 2016

One of my favorite teachers at Kearns Jr. She recognized my love of history. After her first few history questions to the class on the first day and me answering everyone of them. Pulled me aside and encouraged me to go into her honors class. I will be forever grateful for kindness and caring of others.

Manuel Herrera

December 8, 2016

Mrs. Murdock was my English teacher in 9th grade. I remember up until that point, I couldn't care less about literature or reading, but she never gave up on me. I began to develop a love and appreciation for English. I'm forever grateful to her because she believed in me, and signed my registration card for high school honors English classes, which eventually led me to AP English, which eventually led me to attend the University of Utah. She was the first teacher to guide me in the right direction which sent me down the path where I am now, and I'm so grateful for it. I love her so much, and I will never forget her.

Ruth Jacobson

December 8, 2016

She was an awesome teacher. My children loved her! She brought out the best in them and helped them love life, not just learn English!

Bobby Johnson

December 8, 2016

I'm truly saddened to see and hear about MAM passing away. MAM was the best teacher I ever had. She was my English teacher for 7-9th grade at Kearns Jr High. She is one of the only teachers I have ever heard of that encouraged her students to write creative stories, research papers, argumentative papers, and research essays, all starting in 7th grade, instead of settling on state requirements. She would tell us every day that we were going to college and she was preparing us because she wanted us to succeed. MAM was a total goofball and would make us laugh constantly during her lessons, making learning a fun and exciting thing, throwing in an occasional lecture or rant about making something of ourselves. She helped me grow as a person by encouraging my talents in writing. She would leave personal notes on every single paper or poem I wrote with tips, corrections, reading material suggestions, and encouraging quotes. She would spend hours every night reading through giant stacks of papers and assignments. Her dedication as an educator went as far as submitting some of my writing to various state competitions to prove to me how much she believed in me, even when I didn't believe it myself. Not only did she help me with my writing and English education, but she also helped me get through bullying in school and stood up directly to another student who tried to out me before I was ready. MAM truly was my favorite person in school and she will be sorely missed!

Candace Murri

December 8, 2016

She was such an amazing woman and did so much for me while I was in school I am truly heart broken!! Thank you for all you did for me, and supporting me when I needed a friend and someone to look up too!!

Chris Green

December 8, 2016

My favorite teacher at Kearns Jr. I remember the football rivalry, with her Vikings and my Cowboys. She was a beautiful person all around. She will definitely be missed!

Desiree Stevenson

December 8, 2016

I have so many fond memories of her as my english teacher. Some of my favorite books are ones she introduced to me years ago. She was so patient and fun with our wild, energetic class. What a great lady.

Heather Jensen (Mellen)

December 8, 2016

She encouraged me and had confidence in me. She saw more in me than I could. She made me want to be better. She was a source of strength and comfort when I transferred to Kearns in the middle of 7th grade. Her impact on my life has lasted long past my years at Kearns. Truly one of a kind and so thankful our paths crossed.

December 8, 2016

Best English Teacher Ever, She will be greatly missed.

Crystal Moleni Tua'one

December 8, 2016

Such an inspiring woman and teacher! I was lucky to be in her class all 3 years at KJH! She encouraged me to think outside the box and be different. Prayers of comfort to her family at this time. 'Ofa atu MAM

Shantelle Ford

December 8, 2016

MAM was my wonderful English teacher. She taught me how to think and to have the confidence to share what I think. Thank you.

Mark Hayward

December 8, 2016

She will be greatly missed! I am grateful for the influence she was in my life. Truly somebody that I looked up to as a teenager and one of the warmest souls I have met in my life. May the Lord bless her family.

Mark Hayward

December 8, 2016

Perry Eidelbus

December 8, 2016

Like all the other greats, in her unassuming nature she couldn't have counted how many people still love her after many years. She was one of the rare souls who had the greatest impact on many people's lives, not despite her being so gentle and mild-mannered but because she somehow channeled her positive qualities into her profession and humanity. How could such a teacher be so effective when she made her classes enjoyable? It's not like she didn't demand good work or self discipline.

Her entry alone ups the niceness average of heaven. Please say hi to Mr. Borders for us, MAM.

Lyndiann Hoschain

December 8, 2016

Mrs murdock was my favorite teacher when I was in jr high I always loved going to her class...I'm glad I got the opportunity to have her as my teacher I would have never would have liked English class...thank you so much you will be missed by a lot of people...I love you Mrs.Murdock

Natalie (Johnson) Bona

December 8, 2016

I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Mary Murdock aka MAM as we called her. Miss Murdock was my Jr High English teacher for 7th, 8th, and 9th grades. I have some great memories of her class. She was one of my favorite teachers. Her kind, smart, and fun characteristics made her a very loveable person. She will be missed.

Brandi Bird Brothers

December 8, 2016

She was my favorite 7th grade teacher. Always had time for me and helped me believe in myself.

Jennie Ward

December 8, 2016

MAM was my all-time favorite teacher! She had a gift for inspiring a love of learning in her students and left an impact on all who were able to enter her classroom. I have thought of her fondly over the years.

BONNEY THOM

December 8, 2016

I taught with Mary for many years. I remember my first meeting with her. She came up to me during a difficult period in my life and said she'd pray for me. It was so nice of her... She was a new teacher to our school and here she was reaching out to me ...She loved her students and went out of her way to be there for them and share her spirit...She'd go out of her way to spend time with students who needed more from her then just an education...She'd go the extra mile for our Special Education students. She will be very missed. Thank you , Mary.
Love, Bonney

Dustin C

December 8, 2016

Amazing teacher who touched my life. I will be forever grateful.

Shandra Facer Brooks

December 8, 2016

I was in Mrs. Murdock's 1st period class her 1st year at Kearns Jr. She told the best stories and put up with tornado questions. The day after the airplane collision just blocks from the school she held us all a little closer. She loved without thought of getting it back in return. She fostered a love of learning and an insistence that we understand our history and our government workings. She expected you to give 100% and she gave it back in return. The world has lost an amazing woman. The lessons she taught me will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Brian Henderson

December 8, 2016

My condolences to your family on losing your matriarch. Mrs. Murdock was a beloved English teacher of mine at Kearns Jr. High in 7th and 9th grades (1988-1991). She taught me how to love literature, how to write, and most importantly, to believe that I could be anything, regardless of my modest circumstances as an anonymous kid from Kearns with no benefits of pedigree or wealth. She was kind and interested in me. She encouraged my talents. She had an infectious laugh that I did my best to provoke. She had a tremendous influence on my belief in my potential, and on my desire to push myself academically, which set me on a path that led me first to BYU and then to Harvard. I have no doubt that without her helping me lay that early foundation, I would not have come as far as I have in my life.

All my best to your family and all those she left behind. I regret not reaching out to her more recently to share with her how grateful I have always been for her influence on my life. May you be comforted as you reminisce with your loved ones on her generous, gentle, happy, influential life. No doubt I am but one of hundreds of students who will forever be part of her legacy.

Warmly,
Brian Henderson

Janalyn Hoyal

December 8, 2016

She was an amazing English teacher and I am so grateful for all she taught me. She is one of the reasons I became an English major in college. She was a wonderful lady!

Dana Bogaard

December 8, 2016

It was my good fortune and great pleasure to work with Mary at Kearns Junior High School many years ago. She was a fine teacher who touched the lives of so many. Condolences to her family.

December 8, 2016

Mary was so awesome to me at KJH. She cared for everyone and made sure they knew it. Her passing leaves a big hole in many people's lives but I am fortunate to have so many good memories of her. My family's condolences to Suzy and Leah.

Tennille Anderson

December 8, 2016

I'm so sad to hear about this. Ms. Murdock was my favorite teacher. My favorite class was when we went outside and looked at the clouds and wrote poems. A wonderful lady is surely missed.
--Tennille Anderson

Charlene Todd

December 8, 2016

MAM truly did impact many students during her teaching career at KJH. Several members of my family had her as a teacher, but even those who didn't, knew and loved her. She was such a wonderful and caring person! Wishing you peace during this time of grief.

Eric Pace

December 8, 2016

I had Ms. Murdock at Kearns Jr for English, and she was one of my favorite teachers. I am sorry to see her go, but I hope that she continues to influence people the same as she did at school.

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