E. Catherine Murray, 106, passed away on April 3, 2022 at Millcroft Nursing Home, her residence in Newark, DE. Catherine was born in Bethlehem Maryland in 1915 to the late Edward and Mary (Wright) Hall. She was married to Alden Murray in 1935. Catherine and Alden at first lived in the Murray farmhouse on Elkton Road, then moved temporarily to Academy Apartments on Main Street then to a house on West Main Street. Her last home was in Cooper Farm, a suburb of Wilmington before returning to Newark at Millcroft.
She loved to cook and bake and often made dinners without recipes. She was very creative cooking, and the family enjoyed many excellent and different dishes. She enjoyed entertaining, and the table often glistened with crystal, silver, and china.
Catherine loved flowers and loved her house and yard. She loved garden work and knew all about different plants and trees and enjoyed taking care of the yard. She enjoyed watching the birds and she fed squirrels peanuts on her porch. Catherine loved to read and collected many books. She had an extensive doll collection started by her husband. She loved her family and enjoyed having them around her, especially at Christmas.
She enjoyed the ocean and was particularly fond of Cape May. She liked the Victorian homes and just the peace and beauty of being there. She had a strong faith in God and was a member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Newark, where she had many friends. She says she lived so long because God wanted her here.
Catherine is survived by her daughter Betty Hilbert; 2 grandsons, Jay Hilbert and Timothy Hilbert; 2 granddaughters by marriage, Donna Hilbert and Beth Hilbert; 2 great grandsons, Tyler Hilbert and Torey Hilbert, and great granddaughter, Kristine Hilbert.
A visitation will be held Monday, April 11, at 10:30 am followed by a service at 11:00 am at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, DE 19808. Burial will follow the service at Gracelawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Newark, 308 Possum Park Rd. Newark, DE 1971 1. To send the family an online condolence visit www.mccreryandharra.com.
