Madeline Wilderotter Murray

Murray, Madeline (Wilderotter) OFS, 100, of St. Augustine, Florida, passed away peacefully on Sunday January 13th, 2019 at Allegro Senior Living in St. Augustine. Madeline was born in East Orange, N.J. on October 20th, 1918, the daughter of the late Frederick and Madeline (Barrett) Wilderotter. She was raised in South Orange, N.J. and was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Frank J. Murray, of Orange, N.J. She is survived by her seven children, Elizabeth Pesce, Anne Gallagher and her husband Jack, Monica Murray, Frank J. Murray, Virginia Cooney and her husband Tom, Rita DeCicco and her husband Frank and Roberta Kovach and her husband Tom, as well as 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Madeline was a long time active parishioner of St. Anastasia Catholic Church, a member of the Secular Franciscan Order and a member of the Woodland Circle Garden Club. Madeline could light up a room with her vivacious personality, bright blue eyes and flair for fashion. She had a generous throw-your-head-back kind of laugh that was infectious and hard to forget. She was a fabulous conversationalist and loved meeting, talking with and connecting to new people. Madeline put people at ease with her openness, genuine curiosity and willingness to listen. She always had a kind word of encouragement or prayer to offer someone in need. She was easygoing and optimistic, radiating a sense of calm and contentment, even during difficult times. She never lost her sharp mind and often delighted family and friends with her uncanny ability to remember even the smallest details about people and events from long ago. A self-proclaimed “city girl”, Madeline had a great love of the arts and enjoyed traveling, dining out, visiting museums and attending concerts and plays. She also loved spending time at the beach and swimming in the ocean during her many summers on Long Beach Island, N.J. Most of all, Madeline treasured her family and devoted herself to her many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was thrilled to recently celebrate her 100th birthday surrounded by so many of them. She will be greatly missed. A memorial mass will be held at 9:00 am on Monday, January 21, 2019 at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in St. Augustine. Burial will be private. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 5-7pm at St. Johns Family Funeral Home, 385 State Road 207, St. Augustine St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Madeline Wilderotter Murray

October 20, 1918 - January 13, 2019