Shirley was born in Appleton, WI on March 29, 1936. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Wisconsin where she also earned her master’s degree in English.
In 1958 she married Marvin Murray and the couple made their home in Louisville, KY. Marvin preceded her in death in 2011.
Shirley was an active member of the Jewish community through her involvement with Hadassah and the National Council of Jewish Women. She worked as a literary critic while also pursuing other interests such as baking, for which she won awards, painting, travel, and family.
She is survived by her two devoted daughters, Leah Murray Albert (Stewart) and Alison Murray Alpert (Matt), and her beloved grandchildren, Emily Balk (Kyle), Katherine Alpert Lagoni (Dan) and Juliet Grace Alpert.
Shirley's family extends their gratitude to EverTrue Hospice for their care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her name to the Jewish Federation of St. Louis or to Temple Israel in St. Louis.
