Alice "Murette" Henderson

Murette was born and raised in Toledo Ohio. She developed a keen interest in classical music at an early age, and she was particularly interested in the harp. After private study she attended the Oberlin Conservatory where she graduated with emphasis on piano, harp and cello.

While at Oberlin she was selected to attend Carlos Salzedo’s harp academy in Camden, Maine for several summers. Salzedo was the top harpist in the world at that time, and attending his summer harp academy was a high honor. Salzedo also suggested that she use the stage name of “Murette.”

After graduation from Oberlin, Murette taught music at Kings College in Charlotte, NC and later at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. There she met the love of her life, Robert Henderson, and they married after a brief courtship. They were happily married ever after.

Daughter Katie was born while in Columbia, and Tom followed a few years later after their move to Sacramento, CA. Robert’s job took the family from Sacramento to New Jersey and back to California, moving to Ventura which became their long-time home. Murette played harp in the local symphony and taught private piano and harp lessons while at the same time keeping a spotless home and raising two active children.

Robert’s job took him to the Washington DC area after the children had completed high school; later they came back to Ventura for good after Robert’s retirement. While Murette retired from performing and teaching at this time, she remained active in several music organizations for many years.

When Robert’s health declined towards the end of his life, Murette tirelessly cared for him, both after heart valve replacement and as dementia withered his mind.

Murette became housebound due to spinal stenosis a few years after Robert passed away. She was incredibly strong and stoic as she dealt with her increasing pain and declining health. She passed away peacefully in her home on April 15 2024.

Murette was preceded into death by her husband Robert. She is survived by her daughter Katie, son Tom, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

At her request no public services will be held. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in her memory to Ventura County Caregivers at www.vccaregivers.org