Bernice (Bernie) A. Murray, 92, of Norwich, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at Chenango Memorial Hospital. Bernie was born on November 17, 1921 in North Norwich, daughter of the late Henry and Mary L. (Tolland) Baker. She was a graduate of Norwich High School class of 1939. On August 2, 1952 she married John T. “Jack” Murray in Washington D.C. She was predeceased by her husband on December 11, 1996.
After high school Bernie worked locally at the Norwich Knitting Mill before she traveled around the country. During the war effort she worked in the train yards in Wilmington, DE. She also worked as a cab driver in Mississippi. Bernie later moved back to Norwich and in 1949 she began working for Bob and Josephine McNeil. She went on to work at McNeil’s Jewelers for 22 years. Bernie never slowed down; she was a Hall of Fame Bowler from 1946 to 1998. She loved spending time at the Elks and Brown Ave bowling. She was a member of the Legion Auxiliary and the Elks Club Auxiliary and enjoyed the time she spent volunteering for Reach to Recovery Breast Cancer Support Program and Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Hotline. She would often head out on a cruise or bus trip, as her love of travel did not fade throughout her lifetime. Bernie will be remembered as a kind and loving wife, mother and grandmother and a jovial and feisty woman.
Bernie is survived by her son Tom and his wife Margaret Murray of Preston, daughter, Cindy and her husband Randy Warner of Norwich, grandchildren Rory Warner of Norwich, Cale Warner of Norwich, Samantha Warner of Norwich, cousin John and his wife Carol Briggs of Oklahoma and a special friend Richard Carnrike of Norwich. She was predeceased by her Aunt Helen Edie.
A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church with Fr. Ralph Bove, officiating. Friends may call on Monday, February 17, 2014 from 6-8p.m. at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, Norwich.
The Murray family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Chenango Memorial Hospital for the wonderful care Bernie received during her time there.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Family School, 17 Prospect Street, Norwich NY, 13815 or Catholic Charities of Chenango County, Roots and Wings Program, 3 O’Hara Drive, Norwich NY, 13815.