Alice Murray

Alice McMurray Murray, 83, died on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at her home in Greenwich, her family said.

Born on March 31, 1928 in Evanston, Illinois to Alice Kenealy and William Cudmore McMurray, Alice grew up in Willamette, Illinois, the third of four children. She excelled in the arts and history, graduating from Barat College, and later moving to New York City.

Alice used her visual talents working as an assistant photo editor for Guide for the Bride, and Brides magazine as well as several others in New York, NY. Later, she was asked to assist a young interior designer, Angelo Donghia, and developed a lifelong passion for design. In December 1959, she married Dr. John J. Murray from New York, New York and moved to Greenwich.

The natural beauty of Greenwich always captivated and inspired her. Living in the community fueled her pursuits of landscape and interior design, aesthetics and art, and a true love of nature. The town’s close proximity to New York City, the greatest city in the world she claimed, allowed her to fulfill her passion for art and culture.

The Murrays settled in Greenwich, CT in 1959 where they raised four children, all of whom survive her: Murray Weiss, 50, of Los Angeles, CA; Dr. John J. Murray, 48, of Anchorage, Alaska; Ian P. Murray, 47, of Greenwich, CT and Elizabeth J. Murray, 45, also of Greenwich. Alice is survived by seven grandchildren.

A member of St. Michael’s Church, Alice’s faith was an integral part of her life. Her sense of adventure and candor were her trademarks; she was authentic.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am Thursday, January 19 at St. Michael Church, 469 North Street. Burial will be in Putnam Cemetery, Parsonage Road. A reception will follow interment at The Field Club, Lake Ave, Greenwich, CT.

Donations may be made in Alice Murray’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, N.Y. 10163