Age 84
Sister Marilyn Kay Murray (formerly Sister Mary Terrence) was Sister of Mercy for 67 years. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of Saint Rose, Albany, New York, and pursued graduate studies in educational administration at SUNY, Albany. Sister Marilyn taught at schools in the Albany Diocese, including St. Mary’s, Oneonta; Our Lady of Victory, Troy; St. Mary’s, Gloversville; and St. John the Baptist, Schenectady. She was a beloved principal at St. Joseph’s School, Rensselaer, and Mercy High School, Albany. Students loved her; in addition to her ability to present subject matter, she was fun and fair.
Sister Marilyn was extremely organized and superbly suited for administrative positions. Over the years, she shared that expertise as a Pastoral Administrator at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Albany; a member of the Leadership Team of the Albany Sisters of Mercy; Director of Human Resources for the Albany Diocese; and Manager of Facilities for the Albany Sisters of Mercy. She was a welcome addition to the Boards of McAuley Living Services, Mercycare, and Maria College. Marilyn was open in her interactions with others. She had strong opinions, but she was comfortable engaging in dialog with persons whose views differed from hers. After offering her input, she listened attentively to other points of view and was flexible enough to change her position as appropriate. Direct in her communication, she never used 25 words when 15 would suffice. Marilyn’s sense of humor was a legend, at times subtle, at other times not so subtle. While she could easily lead a group to laughter, she could also laugh at herself. An avid birder, she kept the feeders full for her feathered friends and delighted in observing them. Moved by a strong sense of justice and fairness, Sister Marilyn lived her deep personal commitment to the working poor in a spirit of service.