Geraldine C Murray (nee Donovan), passed away on April 29, 2018 at the age of 96 years.
The daughter of Judge John J. Donovan and Anna M. Donovan, Geraldine, born December 31, 1921, was raised on the Donovan family farm in Shelton, CT. She attended Saint Joseph’s Elementary School and Shelton High School (class of 1939) in Shelton, CT where she was recognized for her leadership talents and community service by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Geraldine followed an unusual path for a woman in the 1940s, attending New Haven State Teacher’s College and earning a bachelor’s degree in education. As a teacher she touched the lives of hundreds of students in Seymour, West Haven and Milford CT where she helped give them a foundation in reading, writing and arithmetic. She introduced a “transition classroom concept” in Milford, Ct and mentored and supported many teachers. To the time of her death, whenever she drove through New Haven, at the corner of Route 34 and Ella Grasso Boulevard, she always talked about her master training teachers at the Barnard School and fondly recalled her many students by their names, events and special activities.
She is predeceased by her siblings, John J.Donovan Jr, Stephen F. Donovan, Dorothea D. Gamble, Martha D. Glennon (all of Shelton, CT) as well as her husband of 67 years, Vincent J. Murray, a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, whom she married during World War II. Their marriage was strong and full of love.
Geraldine and Vincent enjoyed many years at the beach, on the boardwalk at Owenego Beach Club in Branford, CT, and at their homes in Dennisport, MA and Bradenton, Florida. Geraldine was known for her seaside gardens where she raised spectacular clematis, lilies, geraniums and roses. An avid collector of Hummel figurines, she was proud to be an original member of the Hummel Club.
She is survived by two daughters, Dennise Murray Boyle (F. Joseph) Philadelphia, PA formerly of Oxford, CT and Kerry Hunter (Richard) of Bradenton, Florida. Grandchildren: Kevin R. Hunter of Florida, Brian D. Hunter (Laurie) of Branford, CT, Lauren Hunter Bratt (Michael) of Colorado and Timothy Murray Boyle (Sepideh) of Philadelphia, PA and great grandchildren: Brandon and Christian Hunter of Florida, Michael and Jacob Bratt of Colorado.
Geraldine was welcomed into the healing presence of Saint Joseph Villa in Flourtown, PA in October 2017. There, the sisters of Sisters of Saint Joseph and staff gave her exceptional care, for which the family expresses sincere and grateful thanks.
Friends may great her family on Thursday from 5 to 7 pm at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Rd. Shelton. Her funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Friday at 9:15 am for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Joseph Church, Shelton. Burial will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Saint Joseph Villa Development Office, 9701 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19118.
Online condolences may be left at www.riverviewfh.com
