Denise Murray Obituary

Steve,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. May Denise rest in peace.

Some of my earliest memories are of my Aunt Denise. I loved going to the Murray house for family parties where I would roughhouse with my cousins, eat delicious food and play games. As I got older I learned to not only appreciate her taste in music and her artistic talent, but I also got to know her beautiful soul who always helped those in need. I am very lucky to have the Murrays, Gradys and O'Keefes as family. Denise will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Denise, what can you say about her? Always so glad to see her. She would put you at ease and make you feel at home, wherever you were. A "shining light" is a perfect description. She would light up the room when she entered. Sue Pierson

Although, I was unable to attend her wake this evening, I will be at Mass tomorrow. Denise was always so friendly and had a wonderful artistic sense about her. I remember touring their home years ago on the Beverly home tour and I was astounded by the things she had done. You must be so proud of her and everything that she has accomplished as a wife, mother, sister, grandmother and as a friend. I will be there tomorrow and I will lend my support in every way.

Deepest sympathy to the Murray/Baffoe family. We were so sad to learn of Denise's passing and are certain she is simply radiant in heaven with her glorious smile and tiara. "And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hands."

Steve, I know you lost your best friend this week and the Bailey family is so sorry for your loss. I know Denise suffered terribly but now she can visit with other friends and loved ones in heaven. I remember your great parties with great music and fellowship. But I remember most the delicious food that Denise prepared and her graciousness as she told me to eat more. I was always impressed by Denise's artistic abilities and what she did in your house. Connor, Margey, and Bridey, thank for taking care of your Mom and helping your Dad through these hard, sad times. Your Mom was your biggest fan so keep her memories always in your hearts. We love you, the Bailey's.

No offense to other CK moms but Mrs. Murray was always my favorite. Always kind, always funny and always dressed stylishly. She also went out of her way to reach out to my mother Mary while she too battled cancer. My deepest sympathies to Connor and the rest of the family. - Kate Finerty Hardy

Steve, I'm so sorry for your loss. It's a lousy club you just became a member of. My prayers for you and your family.

So sorry to hear the news. I will always remember her beautiful smile!
Ann Garvey

I will always remember her charming personality and her great artistic talent.

STEVE, PLEASE ACCEPT OUR CONDOLENCES.
JOHN & LOLLY DOERRER

Our family has lost a shining star, my beautiful cousin Denise, aka Little Nee. Denise, with her beautiful, soft heart, was the toughest of warriors when it came to fortitude and class in a battle she fought so bravely for 20 grueling months. Denise, you showed everybody how it's done, in so many ways. May you rest in the peace that eluded you for so long. May you roar loud and often with laughter now that you are up there in that cozy theater in the sky with what could only be called "the party from Heaven" - with guests like your Mama and Dad and Eddie and Cathy and my Dad, Uncle Bobby, and my Mom, and Aunt Mary and Gramma Baffo and everybody. I just know you are all watching Carol Burnett and Andy Griffith and Creature Features, right this moment! We will all join you one day for that big Oscar Party in the sky they need a "Fun Police" up there too, you know!!! Some of my earliest, loveliest memories have to do with your loveliness. Long before we ever got to know you in person, Gramma and Aunt Mary and Dad used to wow us kids with how smart and sweet and good you were - plus you went to Clark College in Dubuque, Iowa, and you were a talented artist, too!!! And to top it all off you were "beyond reproach," Daddy said (we didn't know what this meant, but the way he said it, it seemed like a really good thing to be). Like your dear Daddy before you, you called us "angel" and "doll" ... but you know, you were a doll from my first awareness of you, like maybe 1966. I remember when Gramma would get her special shoebox, her Treasure Box, and take out the beautiful artwork you sent her... and she would take out the picture of you here... and holding them both up with great care, she would say to us kids, Look Bedeemas, look what this BEAUTIFUL little FLOWER madeshe made this with her beauuutiful hands! Look, Bedeemas, look how beauuutiful!!!" We were all eyes-and-ears in awe of this obviously super-cool Bedeema named Denise. You didn't know it then, but with Gramma's help you provided Lynnie, Lovey, Tony and me with one of our very first art lessons...Over the years you lived up to Gramma's words over and over again... and not just with your amazing artwork. You created so many beautiful things Denise...exceptional things, exemplary things... You made an outstandingly beautiful family and home --you made such a beautiful LIFE. For so many people you made it possible to say, "It's a WONDERFUL Life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (but not without 28 exclamation points ... where were the punctuation police when we needed them? ;))) Denise, you were always a standout in my heart, in my family's heart and in Gramma's heart, and that is why so many hearts are breaking now. Thank you Denise for all your kindnesses, all your thoughtfulness, all the memories, all the funnies, all the inspiration, all the family get-togethers you made possible, and for being one of my earliest role models... I am so glad and proud to have had you as a cousin, dear flower, dear BedeemaI love you and I will miss you forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rich and I are so very sorry for your loss Brydie, Steve, Margey, Joe, Lori, Duke, Mickey, Marybeth, Gary, Matt, Barb, Donna, Gene,
Cathy, Danny and Colleen... and love you all so very much!!!!!!!!!!!

So sorry. She fought the cancer son so hard.a lovely talented woman.

Our most heartfelt condolences to your family from Catherine and Dan Brady.

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies on the loss of Denise. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time -- the Coogan family.

A new star is in heaven now. She probably is fixing up the heavens with her beautiful smile and artistic talent. To the Baffoe and Murray families, may your beautiful memories help you through the difficult days ahead. With love

Let me guess/ Farkle, Spades, Big Cass or little? No doubt you and Mom, Dad, Ed, and everyone else is having a ball up there. I prayed so long for your suffering to end that now that your gone I miss you terribly. I know ever time I see a work of art and focus on it's beauty that you are by my side. Love you so much Sis and my kids will always keep you in their hearts! Love Joe

All my love sent to the family!!! Love you to pieces Brydie!!

Denise I will miss your laughter the most, but don't worry it will always ring in my head and in my heart. I love you so very much.

So sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time- Dave Renderman

Denise will be missed very much by so many. She was such a light in this world and will be continuing to be a Light in the next life as she continues the journey. Her laughter was contagious her smile lit up a room! I love you Denise! I can't imagine life here without you.

My sister, my friend, my confidant, my Neecie; I now know the true meaning of the word "bereft". I will be forever grateful To Steve, Brydie and Margie for ushering you to heaven with tenderness, love and care. I want to howl at your loss. Instead, I will rejoice in your new life.

Denise was unique. Why live life any other way? I will always be proud of her as an artist and how she shared that passion with my daughters, but being a mother is rarely second best. I am honered to be an Uncle to her children; they too, are unique and special people. Steve, now just my brother, is a shining example of a loving spouse, father and care giver. God will bless you guys for enduring these past months. Denise was funny, witty, forgiving and demanding. Praise God for her life.