BETTY JOY MURRAY's Obituary
Our dear mother, Betty Joy (Brown) Murray, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at the age of 90, in Pleasanton, California.
Betty was born May 15, 1932 in Ithaca, NY to Henry Brown and Marion (Smith) Brown.
After graduating Valedictorian from Groton High School, she attended Cornell University earning a Bachelor of Science degree. Betty worked for San Lorenzo Unified School District, making monthly menus and recipes for the district-wide hot lunch program. Betty was respected and admired for her kind, quiet, and shy demeanor from the Cafeteria Staff. Betty retired from the State of California as a Child Nutrition Consultant after 45 years. She loved her work, especially helping children get proper nutrition at school.
Betty lived in the Washington Manor neighborhood of San Leandro, CA. She and her husband Robert chose San Leandro to raise their family and loved the tight knit community for all it had to offer. From the outstanding weather to the small town feel, she loved the San Leandro area and made lifelong friends, remaining an active resident for decades.
Betty grew up during the Depression Era and taught her children to avoid debt and stay frugal. She helped all her children to obtain their first homes, and instilled the values of gratitude and resilience during all times. She had a passion for collecting antique carnival glass, salt cellars, and many other beautiful pieces. Lemonade sets were her favorite!
She will be remembered by her family for the important values above, but also by friends and neighbors for her classic Sticky Buns, which she would make every year for the holidays! Everyone loved her secret recipe that she handed down and taught her grandchildren to make.
Betty is predeceased by her loving husband, Robert C. Murray, Grandson, Austin J. Ogden, and her parents, aunts, and uncles.
She is survived by her son Michael Murray (Violeta), daughters, Lissa Murray Ornellas (Stephen), Dana Murray Ogden (Jerry) and Laura Murray DeClercq (Paul), as well as 6 Grandchildren, 4 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren.
Betty will be missed greatly, but our wonderful memories of her and how she impacted the lives of not only her family, but generations of children, has made a lasting impact in our hearts and community.
There will be no services as requested.
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