I was the former Operations/HR Manager at the Davenport Library and had the privilege of working with Rochelle.  My favorite memories include the times we spent brainstorming and writing grants for the children’s department. (we did our fair share of laughing too) She had such a creative mind. It was truly a pleasure to know Rochelle and be an active part of her lifetime commitment to Children’s Literacy.      

I had the honor of working for Ms. Rochelle. She always put a smile on my face no matter how I felt. When you saw her smile you couldn't help but smile back! She always inquired about how life was going and made you feel like family. She gave me a cute nickname D.T. I felt honored she gave me such a cute nickname. We would talk about antiques, which was her passion. We would look up Dick Tabers sales each week and pick out what we thought was cute or pretty in the pictures we saw. She always spoke so highly of all of her friends and loved them dearly. She never wanted anyone left out. I love this woman like family. She taught me so much and always made me smile or laugh. There was never a dull moment! She may be gone but will always live on in the hearts of myself and many others that she knew and loved! 

Rest well and fly high Ms. Rochelle!

I never saw Rochelle without a smile. I knew Rochelle through the MWC and especially the program committee. She always smiled and always asked how my mother was doing when she was alive. She was always a pleasure. But her  legacy is getting children to read.   Salvatore Marici

I met Rochelle when I was new to Davenport in the 1980s and visited the children's library. Over the years, she became a mentor to me as I moved to the teen board as a volunteer. We exchanged letters since   I left for college, and she always made me feel important. These letters were less frequent in the last few years, but I hope she knew how much I admired her throughout my entire life and how she influenced me. I now live in NJ, so the last time I saw her in person was at my bridal shower in 2005. Even though I haven't seen Rochelle in a long time, I feel struck by this loss. She was so thoughtful and positive, always. 

I first met Rochelle when she was a children's librarian at The Davenport Public Library. I knew her at The Midwest Writing Center. She was kind and supportive to all writers. Her enthusiasm was unmatched.

Dear Sweet Rochelle,
I know you are with the truly good people reading a great book to children. Even though our time together was brief, I really enjoyed it. We saw eye to eye about the delights of children and a good book. You will always be a heroine to me! 
Thank you for showing up in my life.
Terry Giglio Voss


Sweet, positive Rochelle.  She enlisted me to read to children at the library, and record books on tape for use in the Davenport Schools.  I can still hear that gentle lullaby of a voice. Bill Gallin

Rochelle Murray was such a beautiful person, a true ray of sunshine. She could light up a room with her smile and laughter but it was her work ethic and commitment to her community that always burned so bright. I was blessed to work with Rochelle when I joined the City of Davenport as Communications Director. As I was getting the City's two government TV channels underway in a one person shop,  Rochelle volunteered to host a program called "Conversations with Rochelle".  It initially featured library topics but eventually branched out to include countless conversations on City programs and projects. She could interview anyone about anything. Never missing a beat. Always impeccably  dressed. A true professional. She embodied teamwork long before it was popular. 

As she neared the end of her library tenure, I told Rochelle how I had met her years earlier when I was in grade school, this beautiful librarian came to my school and read a story to a gymnasium of students. She was stunning in her yellow dress. Her voice captivated the room of students. She smiled and laughed as I  told the story. Her eyes twinkling.  I  will never forget her and the love of reading she encouraged. Rochelle gave the gift of reading and so much more to so many. Thank you my friend. Till we meet again.

Rochelle Murray was a wonderful influence on my 41 year career as a librarian.  I began working for her out of college in 1976.  I had a library science degree and she was delighted to have someone with the background as a children's library assistant.  The next year I learned about how a public library ran.  I worked with wonderful coworkers.  Rochelle was always busy planning events, greeting groups, teaching her young staff and working with community events outside of the library.  She knew everyone!  The local authors loved her for her ability to assist them with needed information.  She loved promoting their work.  She also promoted the DPL every chance she got.  Through the years she never missed a chance to speak to me and ask me about my teacher librarian job at Adams Elementary.  She always spoke highly of my work and I so appreciated it.  She loved it that Adams won the Summer Reading Club trophy for so many years.  But after working on the program on the Public Library side that year I was there I knew it was beneficial for my students to read over the summer and to have fun with it in the club!  She loved being a part of our celebration win.   As I planned events for Adams School, I knew that alot of my enthusiasm and skill came from watching her at the public library.  It was good training for me.  When she retired I had to be one of the large crowd of well wishers for her retirement.  I think it was hard for her to walk away from all that she built.  But she did not hesitate to stay involved with the Writing Center and the Children's Lit Festival.  I joined her several years as a guest storyteller or volunteer.  I almost always had a group of students attending the festival.  The chance to meet authors local and national was such a great experience for them.  And they would be bubbling with excitement when the end of the day came.  Thank you, Rochelle, for all of your support and friendship.
Christine Turnipseed


Rochelle was the kind face we saw whenever we checked out books as kids at the library. She was also a mentor to me as an intern for Midwest Writing Center — together, we planned and fundraised for the Children’s Literature Festival, which was so near and dear to her heart. I was lucky to have known her.

Rochelle made a lasting impact on Davenport Public Library and the greater Quad Cities area. She will truly be missed!

I want to say thank you for creating a fantastic children's library. When my boys were little, we were there at least 2 or 3 days a week, reading, finding new books to take home, or attending all the little workshops that were created for the kids.  Many prayers to your family. 

I certainly agree with the last paragraph.  
Rochelle always remembered me even though I saw her rarely.
And she would leave me feeling better than before I met up with her!
I will miss her smile and warmth of heart!

I remember how Rochelle's face lit up so brightly when 
she talked about her dolls.  Rochelle presence was delightful and she enjoyed striking up a conversation.  Her commitment and dedication to the MWC was admirable. 

Sincere Condolences from a friend, 
Pam Davies 

OBITUARY

Rochelle A. Murray

December 14, 1936 – July 31, 2022

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