Burial Date February 17, 2014
Obituaries » HELEN A. MURRAY
MURRAY, HELEN ANASTASIA CORRY, 93, of Heaton Woods in Montpelier, passed away January 1, at Central Vermont Medical Center, in the presence of many family members. Helen was born at home in Middlesex, Jan. 28, 1920. She was the daughter of Charles C. and Lena (Crossett) Corry. Helen grew up on the Corry Farm (now Bolduc’s Salvage). She graduated from Montpelier High School in 1937. Helen moved with her widowed mother to Montpelier in 1939. After high school, Helen went to work at McCullan’s Department Store for a short while, and then National Life Insurance Co. She then went to work at the state Cigarette and Beverage Division of the Tax Department, where the City Center is now located. Helen met her husband, Sherwood Calvin Murray, at the First Baptist Church in Montpelier. They were married on Columbus Day, Oct. 12, 1940. Helen stayed at home after she married and raised their three children. Helen and her husband spent many years farming Cityside Farm. That now is called Murray Hill. She returned to work in 1966 for the Social Welfare Division of the state. Helen joined her husband in retirement in 1979. Helen and Sherwood enjoyed many extensive trips to Texas, Alaska and Canada, seeing 49 states. Camping was a favorite pastime. Helen also enjoyed visiting Japan in 1981, visiting her son Stanley and family for six weeks. Mrs. Murray and husband were members of the 251 Club, visiting all of the towns, cities and gores of Vermont. Helen was very active in their church and with family. Other hobbies included knitting, quilting and reading. Helen had a green thumb and enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening. She was an extraordinary role model for many as a kind, strong Christian who lived what she believed. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Montpelier for 63 years, serving on many committees and in the Sunday school ministry to children. She also was known for preparing wonderful home-cooked meals and hosting many guests in her home. Helen was proud to win a cooking competition as a young teen. Helen was predeceased by her parents and her sisters, Winona Kerin and Margaret “Peg” Sibley. Her eldest son, Raymond, died in 1997. Helen’s husband of 57 years, Sherwood, died in 1998. Helen is survived by her daughter, Sylvia Murray, of Berlin, and her son Stanley and wife Martha Murray, of Royersford, Pa. She also leaves her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Murray, of Frisco, Tex. Helen was most proud of her eight grandchildren; plus 18 great-grandchildren. She was a favorite aunt to many nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren. Brother-in-law Roger W. Murray, of Amarillo, Tex., will also miss Helen. Calling hours will be at First Baptist Church in Montpelier Feb. 17, 2014, from 12:30 to 2pm. A memorial service will follow at 2pm, then a reception for all guests on the lower level.
