Obituary of Barbara Louise Murray

Barbara Louise Murray, 89, passed away peacefully on August 24 at Heritage Rehabilitation & Living Center in Winthrop, Maine, after a full and loving life. She was with family when she died. She was born in Boston, MA, June 22, 1925 to Robert and Louise (McCabe) Murray and graduated with a bachelor of science in commercial business from Boston University's College of Practical Arts & Letters in 1946. She also studied music at the Boston Conservatory of Music. After graduating, she taught business courses at both Burdett College in Boston and Howard Seminary in West Bridgewater, MA. Barbara was a ski instructor at Blue Hills Ski Area in Canton, MA. From 1983 to 1986, she was the committee clerk for the Maine Legislature in Augusta. Barbara was a true Renaissance woman with a great love of the arts: painting, music, dance, theatre and books. Barbara was an accomplished pianist and played clarinet, alto/tenor saxophone; playing with bands in festivals and nursing homes. Barbara studied watercolors for more than 70 years and her ethereal and coastal artwork was shown and sold in Maine-based galleries. She was a sophisticated, classic woman with countless passions: Love for family, the ocean, the news, cooking/nutrition, elocution, mid-century modern décor, swimming, skiing, jazz, rhythm & blues, classical music, flesh flowers, rich colors and aromatic smells. Referred to as a "domestic engineer," she was a master of efficiency, raising her 12 children with great decorum - her attention to detail was unparalleled. Organized and fashionable, she color-coded her children's parochial school uniforms and could whip up gourmet meals for 14 with little effort. Her stylish Woodlawn Street home was immaculate, complete with birch lockers for each of the children's "paraphernalia." She is survived by her children: Robert O'Connor of South China, Maine, Jean, of Sumter, SC, George of Vassalboro, Maine, Chuck, State College, PA, Joseph of Washington, D.C., Claire Dietsche of Rouses Point, NY, Jane of Washington, D.C., Sue of Big Sky, MT, Jo of Kennebunkport, Maine, Helen Durgin of Winfield, WV, Mari-anne Blume, of Woodbridge, VA, and Mickey in San Pedro, CA. She is also survived by her 22 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Barbara is survived by her sister Jeanne Dunne of Harwich, MA and pre-deceased by her sister Helen Murray of Harwich, MA. The family would like to express their immense gratitude to the Heritage Rehabilitation & Living Center in Winthrop, Maine and the MaineGeneral Medical Center Hospice in Augusta, Maine for their care and kindness. Donations can be made to these organizations in her name. A Mass will be held on Saturday, September 6 at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church in Augusta, Maine. Her remains will be interred in St. Joseph's Cemetery in West Roxbury, MA. For sentiments, visit www.BarbaraLMurray.com. - See more at: http://obituaries.kjonline.com/obituaries/mainetoday-kennebecjournal/obituary.aspx?n=barbara-louise-murray&pid=172260898#sthash.wPN5M2go.dpuf