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Lynn Teresa Mary Murray

Lynn Murray Obituary

Murray, Lynn Teresa Mary Lynn Teresa Mary McAvoy Murray's life began in Greenville, Michigan on November 21, 1961; the daughter of Dolores and Jack McAvoy. Lynn was baptized into the Roman Catholic Faith at St. Charles Church in Greenville, MI, on December 10, 1961. On May 8, 1971 she received the sacrament of confirmation at St. Anthony's parish, Hillsdale, MI. She graduated from high school in Hillsdale, Michigan in 1980 and then received her B.A. in Elementary Education, History and Physical Education from Hillsdale College in May of 1984. She then earned her M.A. in Educational Leadership and an Elementary Administrator Certificate from Western Michigan University in April of 1989. From 1985 through 1992 she was an elementary teacher and then promoted to Elementary Principal at Martindale Elementary School in the Benton Harbor School System. She was married to James Murray on September 7, 1996 at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Sister Lakes, MI and lived in Chicago, IL with her husband and their son John Murray. From September of 1997 – 1999 she was a curriculum specialist with the Tribune Company and then from 1999 to present she was a Manager and then promoted to Vice President of Teacher Education and Professional Development at McGraw Hill Wright Group. Lynn was first and foremost a loving wife and mother who cared deeply for her entire family. She was a cheerleader and an athlete who competed in Track and Field. She loved all water sports especially swimming, boating, waterskiing, scuba diving and sailing. Lynn passed away on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Her loving family includes her husband James Murray and son John Murray of Chicago; mother Dolores Cooper McAvoy and her father (Jack) McAvoy of Sister Lakes, MI; brothers Daniel McAvoy of New York, NY; James McAvoy of Atlanta, GA; Patrick, Robin, Joe and Michelle McAvoy of Hillsdale, MI; and Michael, Amy and Nathan McAvoy of Frankenmuth, MI. Lynn was a faithful parishioner with her family at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Sister Lakes. Her family will receive friends on Sunday, November 11th, from 5 to 8 p.m. (Michigan Time) at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home (405 Center St., Dowagiac, MI 49047) where Deacon Frank Wesolowski will conduct a scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 12th, at 11 a.m. (Michigan Time) at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church (51841 Leach Rd., Dowagiac, MI 49047). She will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery. Please sign her guest book and leave a memory of Lynn at www.mclauchlin-clark.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Nov. 9, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Lynn Murray

Sponsored by Jim and John Murray.

Not sure what to say?





Julie Lanocha

November 24, 2007

Dear Jim,
Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your wonderful wife. You are in our thoughts.

Liz and Thom (nee Ryland) Dillon

November 19, 2007

Our sympathies to all of the McAvoy and Murray families, what a tragic loss for the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Joanna Dadajewska

November 14, 2007

I would like to express my symphaty to the family of Mrs. Lynn.
Frequently, Lynn was my client, and during the service I enjoyed conversation with her. I am stunned by her tragic loss and will miss her presence.
Joanna Dadajewska

Abby Zerivitz

November 13, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mary Whitaker

November 12, 2007

How shocking to hear of Lynn's death and how incomprehensible it still is for me. She was always so positive and full of hope and compassion. My deepest expression of sympathy go out to family and friends who bear the pain of the loss. May God give you comfort and peace.

Gerry (Pudge) & Carol Happ

November 12, 2007

Jim - We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Dad was sorry he could not be there for you as you were when Mom died last May. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Marie Platowski

November 12, 2007

Jim and John, Please accept our deepest sympathy during these very difficult times ahead. I know you have the strength to raise your son the way you and Lynn had planned. It may be difficult at times, and you will be lonely, but follow your heart and you will manage. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both, with Lynn's parents and her brothers. Giant hugs from Steve and Marie Beals

Joyce Francis

November 11, 2007

Dear Jim ~ we are both stunned by your tragic loss..our heartfelt thoughts & prayers are with you & John & all the family. ~ You "beamed" every time you talked to me or wrote to me about Lynn and John....it was evident that you loved them "to the moon and back"! ~ It has been an honor to know you these last few years...not just as a friend & business associate, but as a man I've admired as a dedicated & loving husband and father....through the photos & stories you've shared with me...including the ones you just sent of the three of you in costume and having a ball on Halloween!...you & Lynn sharing a kiss....& the stories over the years about how you & Lynn met, the birth of your son, the trips you took, & the magical memories made together & with your extended families....there was never a doubt in my mind that Lynn knew just how much you loved her...through your words & actions as an "incurable romantic" & through your deep & loving bond with your son. ~ It was just recently that you said to me, "life is great"...I agreed, and I was very happy for all of you! ~ And now, you are facing the toughest time of your life...but I know you will have the strength to raise your son as you & Lynn had planned...and that you will carry her legacy forward for John with your precious memories & the eternal love of two devoted parents. ~
We hope that God will grant all of you comfort & peace as you celebrate Lynn's life on Earth tomorrow & as you send her into His loving arms in Heaven. ~ Believe that she will be looking down & watching over you...now & always....until you reunite with her again. ~ We are sorry that we can't be with you tomorrow, but please know that we are there in spirit...and we are here for you, along with many caring friends who share your pain...With Love and Deepest Sympathy....Joyce & Woody

Polly Fugate

November 11, 2007

Though I did not know Lynn personnaly, I do know of her reputation as a dedicated and very capable leader. She was truly respected by those who worked with her.
May God comfort you,Jim and John.

Lynne (Tassone) Burke

November 11, 2007

Jim - I don't know what to say to you. My heart aches for your loss and I feel your pain. I know how happy you have been since you and Lynn married and John came along. But I also know you're strong and you will be ok and so will John with you to lead him. Never forget you have friends who love you and will be there when you need them - and never be too proud to ask for help -- you're in my prayers and so it that little guy!

Scott & Lynda Miller

November 10, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with Lynn's family in this most difficult time. We knew Lynn and her entire family at Hillsdale College. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. God Bless all of you in this your time of loss.
With Love

November 10, 2007

Jim
Lynn will always be in our prayers. She lived a short but very fulfilling life. Our love to you and the family, Jayne & Fred

Janette Seaver Byers

November 10, 2007

I knew Lynn while attending Hillsdale College. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Perry M. Laks

November 10, 2007

Dear Jim,
Words are difficult. Our sympathy and our love.
Perry and Rachel Laks

Donna Helstrom

November 10, 2007

My prayers are with Lynn's family. (Lynn's back home in heaven.) I never knew her. Last time I saw Jim, he was singing the lollipop song at Shady Shores! May you all feel God's love and comfort. I'm Jan and Bob Murphy's daughter...cabin 3 in July.

dennis knoblock

November 10, 2007

Dear Murray & McAvoy Families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you be brave in your sorrow as Lynn would have wanted you to be.

The Dennis Knoblock Family

RuthAnn Green

November 9, 2007

I knew Lynn only briefly from having done several consulting projects with The Wright Group. She was always so sincere and professional, and displayed a wonderful sense of humor always at just the right times. My deepest sympathy to Lynn's family.

Karen Montgomery

November 9, 2007

Lynn was a beautiful lady! Her positive, affirming nature motivated and encouraged us. It was a personal pleasure to know and work with her. She enriched our lives.

Donna Brewer

November 9, 2007

Words could never describe how very deeply I admired Lynn. She truly lived her Christian values and was the most wonderful, supportive boss that I've ever had. I will miss her so very, very much! It brings me great comfort to envision her in heaven. My sincere condolences go out to her loving husband and her precious son.

Catherine Shannon

November 9, 2007

To work with Lynn was such a pleasure and honor for me. While I was at McGraw-Hill, Lynn was always the person I could talk with about anything. She was a great mentor and I will always cherish the time I got to spend with her. To her family and friends, please know that God never puts more on us than we can bear and although we may understand why things happen, God knows best. Cathey Shannon

Marcella Green

November 9, 2007

Lynn was truly a role model in many ways. She had a quiet way of leading. She will be greatly missed.

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