Patricia C. Murray (Connolly)

Mary Patricia Connolly Murray, known to most as Tish or Trish, passed away at her home on Saturday, May 13. She was surrounded by family and love.

Her lifetime as a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a teacher, a friend, a volunteer and a person, leaves a legacy of generosity, caring and playfulness. Tish grew up in Scranton, graduating from Saint Paul’s Catholic School and Marywood College. Children lived at the center of Tish’s life at home and work. Generations of former students in Vestal Public Schools, Narrowsburg Central School (Sullivan West), Communities that Care (CTC) After School, and Tish Murray’s Nursery School grew to know that firsthand as did each of Tish and Joe’s six children and 20 grandchildren.

Tish Connolly Murray is preceded in death by her parents, Loretto B. and William G. Connolly of Scranton, brother Frank Connolly and sister Elizabeth as well as parents-in-law Margaret H. and Edward L. Murray, siblings-in-law Clair Connolly, Anne Connolly, Rita Langendoerfer, and Mary & James Barton. Tish is survived by loving and devoted husband of almost 59 years, Joseph J. Murray of Honesdale, as well as their children’s families: Maureen & Pete Casazza, Beth Murray & Bentley Self, Chris & Alita Murray, Kathy & Chris Pietraszewski, Patti & AG Howell, Joe & Meegan Murray. Surviving also are two siblings—Sr. Jane Marie Connolly of Simpson and William G. Connolly, Jr. of Garwood, NJ, as well as numerous beloved brother and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

All are invited to a viewing at the Hessling Murray Funeral Home (438 Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431) on Thursday, May 18, 4-7pm and a Funeral Mass at Queen of Peace Catholic Church (314 Chestnut Avenue, Hawley, PA 18428) on Friday, May 19^th at 10am.  Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Honesdale.  In lieu of traditional dark mourning colors, the family asks that those attending the funeral honor the memory of Tish by wearing her favorite color (blue) or something that says “spring,” as she loved and learned from plants, trees, flowers and birds as the family yard and her artwork attest.

Tish was an avid reader, a beautiful interpreter of children’s books, a crossword puzzle whiz, a literacy-inspiring teacher and a gifted, big-hearted cook. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Tish’s priorities that became reliable, quiet, powerful actions to the Wayne County Public Library, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or Feed the Children.