Margaret Mary Murray

Margaret Murray was born Margaret Mary Metras to Ellen Adelsperger and Elmer Metras on July 9, 1918, the youngest of eleven children. She was born at the John Finley farm house on Topash Street a half mile west of Townhall Road in Dowagiac. Margaret went to Daily Country School for eight grades and then attended St. Joseph Academy High School, South Bend, Indiana and graduated in June of 1935 as Salutatorian. She then attended County Normal in Dowagiac, MI for one year, graduated in 1936 and then began teaching nine grades in a one room school house at Daly Country School for three years. Margaret then taught at Brooklyn School for one year and at the Red Mill School for three and a half years. Margaret next attended Western Michigan College and Ferris State College to renew her teaching certificate while she continued teaching. In 1943, she took a job as a case worker for the State of Michigan at the Cass County Court House in Cassopolis, Michigan. In 1947, she became Director of the Cass County Department of Social Services. During her career she was instrumental in establishing the Cass County Council On Aging, of which she was president for over 15 years. She was also president of the Dowagiac Professional Women’s Club from 1953 through 1957. On January 12, 1957 Margaret married Lawrence J. Murray (formerly of Chicago) at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Sister Lakes, Michigan and had one son, James. Margaret retired from social work on January 21, 1977. Margaret was also president of the Sister Lakes AARP Association for four years and was president of the Sacred Heart Altar Society for four years. Margaret played the organ and sang at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church for nearly 55 years and was honored with a celebration at the church. Margaret was also active and president for four years in the Dowagiac Nursing Home Auxiliary. Margaret was first and foremost a loving wife and mother of very strong faith who cared deeply for her entire family. She was an accomplished cook and baker known for her pies, she was an avid gardener, enjoyed discussing local history, and loved to travel. She loved to wear jewelry and collected antique dishes. She loved her family most of all, and enjoyed spending time with her grandson, John. Margaret passed away on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Kalamazoo Borgess Hospital. Her husband Lawrence predeceased her on April 4, 1980. Her loving family includes her son James Murray and grandson John Murray of Chicago, and many nieces and nephews. Margaret was a faithful parishioner with her family at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Her family will receive friends on Thursday, November 10th from 5-8 p.m. (Michigan Time) at Yazel & Clark Chapel, 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 by Father Kevin Covert on Friday, November 11th at 11 a.m. (Michigan Time) at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29961 Leach Rd. Dowagiac, MI 49047. Memorial contributions in her name can be directed to Sacred Heart Of Mary Church or the the Alter Guild. She will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery. Please sign her guest book and leave a memory of Margaret at http://www.yazel-clark.com.