Sister Murray

Murray, Sister Rosemarie RSM (Sister Mary Timothy) died Thursday evening, June 7, at St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Albany. She had been a Sister of Mercy for seventy -two years. Born in Albany, New York, she was the daughter of the late John J. Murray and Anna Ahl Murray. She was a graduate of Vincentian Institute in Albany. Sister attended the Diocesan Normal School and then earned a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in education from the College of St. Rose and Siena College, respectively. She ministered as a teacher at various schools in the Albany Diocese, including St. John's in Rensselaer, St. Margaret Mary's, Our Lady of Mercy, St. Teresa of Avila in Albany, St. Mary's in Waterford, and St. Mary's in Clinton Heights. Sister Rosemarie loved teaching. She had a gift of keeping her students engaged and excited about learning. Sister especially enjoyed her young pupils and often told stories about them. In the mid-sixties, Sister Rosemarie volunteered in Rev. Smythe's adult education program in Albany's South End. One of the highlights of her life was teaching a ninety-year-old man to read. Sister also enjoyed playing the guitar. After retirement from teaching, Sister went weekly to McAuley assisted living facility to play the "old time songs" for the residents. When Sister retired from this ministry, she was older than most of the residents. She was artistic and shared that talent with many through her Christmas decorations, wall hangings, and bulletin boards. Mostly, Sister was a gentle, prayerful, thoughtful woman who loved people, gardening, and enhancing the life of these around her. Sister is survived by her nieces Ann Marie Barbagallo (the late Edwin) and Laurie Bauer (Donald), her brother-in-law, Christopher Milgo, and seven grand nieces and nephews to whom she was deeply devoted. Sister is also survived by her religious community, the Sisters of Mercy. Sister was predeceased by her sisters, Anna Milgo and Grace Murray, and her nephew Christopher Milgo. Viewing hours will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, June 11, in the Chapel of the Convent of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany. Relatives and friends are welcome and are invited to attend a Prayer Service of Remembrance in the Chapel at 7:00 p.m. The Liturgy of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday, June 12, at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel. Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. The Sisters of Mercy are grateful to the staff at St. Peter's Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the tenderness with which they cared for our Sister. Contributions in memory of Sister Rosemarie may be made to the Sisters of Mercy 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208.