Lori Ann Lori Ann Dallimore Murnin

June 12, 1959 – August 6, 2010

Lori Murnin passed away peacefully on August 6, 2010. She was the beloved wife of Joseph J. Murnin, Jr. and devoted mother to Danielle, Taylor, and Kelsey Murnin, all of Brentwood.

Lori was born in Oswego, Oregon, and moved to Brentwood 22 years ago. She graduated in the Class of ’77 from Pleasanton’s Foothill High School. Following graduation, she spent a decade as general manager of the Red Barn restaurant in Livermore. On July 11, 1987, she married Joe Murnin. Seventeen years later she earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Los Medanos College, and spent the past six years as a registered nurse at Sutter Delta Hospital.

Lori is survived by her mother and father, Jack & Sheryl Dallimore of Oregon, her mother-in-law Irene Murnin of Petaluma, her sister Sherri Michaud of Oakley, and her brother and sister-in-law, Jay & Janel Dallimore of Oregon.

Lori had many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law who cherished her dearly including Doreen & Mike Bonesteel of Texas, Mark & Gretchen Murnin of Novato, Michele & Gary Inman of Concord, Michael & Lynda Murnin of Petaluma, Keith & Kristie Murnin of Sebastopol, and Christine & Rich Torres of Novato.

Lori also had many nieces and nephews who dearly loved their Aunt including Justin Michaud, Nicole McDuffie, Devon & Ryan Dallimore, Christopher & Michael Inman, Justin & Lyndsey Murnin, Joseph & Lauren Murnin, Tyler & Vanessa Torres, and Michael & Audrey Bonesteel. Lori was also great aunt to Hannah McDuffie and Quinton, Aiden, and Alec Michaud.

Lori’s priority was bringing up her three beautiful daughters, Danielle, Taylor, and Kelsey. Danielle developed a life threatening medical condition that caused Lori to learn the details about the illness and the possible solutions so she could talk intelligently with her doctors. Her research awakened an interest in medicine and inspired her to pursue a childhood dream of becoming a nurse.

Lori enjoyed a good book and loved spending time with her girls. She was an easy-going person who was gifted at managing details. Family members and friends who vacationed with her knew that everything would roll along smoothly when she was in charge. She enjoyed weekend boating excursions on the Delta with her family and summer camping trips with friends.

Lori never had a bad thing to say about anyone; she had a servant’s heart and took joy from caring for others. They will always remember that she was smart, beautiful, sincere, and generous. During the years of her nursing career, her patients became more important than anything else in her life, except for members of her family.

Even though Lori’s family members and friends are grieving over their loss, they are commemorating the happy memories of the bright smiles that chased each other across Lori’s face. They are committed to keeping alive the memory of the love that Lori bestowed so freely upon the family members, friends, and strangers who came into her life. Danielle recalls happy scenes when the family home was filled with neighborhood kids who received Lori’s affection as though they were her own children. She remembers how her mom would add as many plates to the evening meal as there were kids who were ready to eat. She took joy from service. Kelsey remembers that when she would say “Thank you” to her mom, Lori would often answer, “It makes me happy to make you happy.”

Taylor remembers how hard her mom worked to become a nurse, which provided a model of commitment and a career goal that she is following now herself.

You are welcome to celebrate with us the life of Lori Ann Murnin, Sunday, August 15, twelve o’clock, at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Hall, 757 First Street, Brentwood, CA. Please visit her memorial website at www.mem.com.

My Guardian Angel

Dear Angel ever at my side,

how lovely you must be---

To leave your home in heaven,

to guard a child like me.

When I'm far away from home,

or maybe hard at play--

I know you will protect me,

from harm along the way.

Your beautiful and shining face,

I see not, though you're near.

The sweetness of your lovely voice,

I cannot really hear.

When I pray, you're praying too,

Your prayer is just for me.

But ,when I sleep you never do,

You're watching over me.

psalm 91:11-12

Thorns and stings

And those such things

Just make stronger

Our angel wings.

~Terri Guillemets