H. Joan Murray

Joan’s battle with cancer came to an end on Friday February 18, 2011. She was a wonderful mother and wife; and a friend to anyone who knew her. A gracious, strong, inspirational and loving person to all Joan’s generous and supportive spirit will survive her.

Hannah Joan Murray was born February 15, 1931 in East McKeesport, Pennsylvania to Hannah K Blissman, who survives her and George C Blissman who is deceased.

A Penn State Journalism graduate, Joan lived many places during her lifetime including Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Long Beach & Michigan City, Indiana; Peru, Indiana; Jackson, Tennessee and Greenwood, Mississippi.

She lived for the last 20+ years in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; moving most recently in June 2010 to Merritt Island, Florida to reside with her son Tim Murray and fight the cancer that eventually took her life.

Joan worked the last 20 years at Spring Lake Racquet Club at Hilton Head Plantation on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - managing the Tennis Pro Shop until May 2010.

She will be missed by her family and the many people whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her husband of many years Michael J Murray. Joan and Mike were married Sept 24, 1957; Michael died on April 28, 2010 in Hilton Head Island.

She is survived by son, Daniel Murray and wife Linda of Newnan, Georgia; daughter Leslie Murray and husband RandyTownsend of Twelve Mile, Indiana; son Timothy Murray of Merritt Island, Florida; daughter Susan Sayle and husband Joseph of Greenwood, Mississippi, and grandchildren; Erin Murray, Hannah Murray, Ryan Barwick, Tyler Murray, Ciara Murray, Michael Sayle, Carolynn Sayle and Christopher Sayle.

Joan is also survived by brothers; George Blissman and Thomas Blissman of North Versailles, Pennsylvania and Dean Blissman of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, as well as several nieces, nephews and great nieces, and lastly, family friend Francine Llerena, who also assisted Joan during her time in Merritt Island.

A memorial gathering for both Joan and Michael Murray for friends and family to celebrate and share memories of their lives will be held in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina at a later date. Burial will also be on Hilton Head Island for both Mike and Joan.

Arrangements under the direction of Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, Merritt Island, FL.