Today we lost our beloved mother, and grandmother, Audrey Murray, on Thursday, October 17th at 96 years old. Mom passed in her home peacefully with daughter Lorri and grandson Logan by her side.
I am grateful that Mom was able to choose the way she wanted to end her life, sparing herself from the unbearable suffering she would have otherwise faced. I believe that everyone should have the right to make decisions about their own life and death, especially when there is no hope of recovery.
Today, Mom went to meet Dad, and Logan and I helped send her into his waiting arms. The warm glow of sunlight and the soft flicker of tealight candles filled her bedroom with a peaceful ambiance. The air was filled with the gentle fragrance of beautiful flowers - a bright bouquet of yellow Gerber Daisies, three single pink Gerber, her favourite. Lovely music played in the background, and tears flowed as we reminisced and listened to her favourite music - The Letterman, Frank Sinatra - My Way, New York, New York along with Burton Cummings and The Wind Beneath My Wings. Pictures of family and friends, along with her beloved cats, were around her – they knew. From her bedside, she saw the beautiful sunlight coming in and was at peace.
Audrey was my mother, best friend, and role model. I can only hope to embody a fraction of the grace and beauty she carried throughout her life. Her dedication to her crafts and jewelry, which she generously donated to Bay Shore, is a testament to her pleasure and hard work. She was on the Executive Board as 2nd Vice. She was on the Elections Committee, Convenor for Shuffleboard, Crafts and Anniversary Tea. She was an Honourary and Lifetime Member of Bay Shore. Her gardens were always so immaculate and beautiful. Mom always made sure to present herself gracefully and elegantly, even sitting in the living room.
She was the heart of our home and family. She was born in Hamilton, Ontario, on August 7, 1928. Mom was married to her soulmate, Bruce Murray at age 16. They were short one month of 70 years of marriage and who preceded her in death. She is survived by her son (Greg), wife (Metta), daughter (Lorri) and grandson (Logan). As a grandmother to Logan (30), she was the "fun granny," taking him on exciting outings, hosting "grandma camp" every summer, and generally spoiling him rotten. He often referred to her as a second mom.
We plan on having a Celebration of Life at the Club, maybe in the new year.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.carruthersdavidson.com
A true lady! She will be missed.