Alba Murray, born September 25, 1924, died March 12, 2016. She was a native of California, and a resident of Ventura since 1973. She is preceded in death by her true love, husband Joe Murray, with whom she reunites.
She leaves behind very many friends and loved ones, including her children; Kathleen, Judith (husband Greg, also a nurse, who lovingly cared for Alba to the end), Richard (wife Anna), grandchildren; Carlyle (wife Alicia), and Debi; 5 great grandchildren, and multiple great great grandchildren. Those she loved basked in an awareness that they were singularly, hugely important to her; and they were. She believed in telling the honest to goodness truth, often laughing at what that was with whomever the fortunate person was sharing that particular moment. A casual contact with those she met as she went through her day in Ventura was often filled with humor and kindness.
Alba asks to be remembered with a party, or a dinner, finding laughter and fun. She requires that those who celebrate her life be silly, dance, or enjoy whatever they like as long as they forgo solemnity. Most of all she asks us to be kind to one another; as she so often said, “I just want everyone to ‘play nice’”. The event Alba requested will take place at ....on....at....
“...grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk
of me as if I were beside you there.
(I’d come --- I’d come, could I find a way!
But would not tears be barriers?)
And when you hear a song,
or see a bird I loved,
please do not let the thought of me
Be sad.
For I am loving you just as I always have.”
-Isla Paschal Richardson.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUENRAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.