Mary Loretta Murray

Mary Loretta Murray passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. She had been residing in Ventura for the last five years to be closer to family. Mary loved watching the Lakers play basketball and often enthralled family members with stories of her childhood farm and family history.

Mary was born to Mary and Francis Walser November 9, 1929 in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. She was definitely a farm girl, growing up alongside her four older brothers, John, Henry, Charles and Robert. Both of Mary’s parents were deaf and part of the deaf community, so her childhood with a large family was a fascinating experience. After graduating from high school in 1947, Mary joined her parents in California where she attended El Camino Junior College.

She met Joseph at a Catholic Youth function and they married in 1951. Mary had five children and was married 54 years as a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend, as well as an amazing cook and lover of animals.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Murray, her two brothers, John and Henry Walser, her daughter, Paula Troxell, and her son, Joseph Murray. She is survived by brothers, Charles and Robert Walser; daughters, Christine Lambert, Kathleen Murray Gin, and Margaret Jackson. Mary has 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

During the years of raising a large family, Mary also maintained a working career, employed at two school districts, the Ventura County Sheriff office and 20 years at Camarillo State Hospital as an administrative assistant.

In 1990, Mary and Joseph retired to Redding, CA. During her time there, Mary was involved with Our Lady of Mercy Church, serving with the Catholic Daughters of America. A few years after Joseph passed away, Mary decided to return to southern California, where she could be closer to family.

Funeral services will be held in Redding, CA where Mary will be placed beside Joseph at a memorial service on Saturday, May 30, 2015. A Rosary at 11am followed by a Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 2600 Shasta View Drive, Redding, CA 96002. Burial will then take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Redding, CA, and a reception will be held at the Parish afterward. All family and friends are invited.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.