WORCESTER-Therese B. (McCarthy) Murray, 83, passed away at Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on July 6, 2010 where she had been treated for dementia. The family is forever grateful to the wonderful staff at Holy Trinity and its Hospice Program for the extreme kindness and professional and compassionate care extended to residents and their families round the clock - - so appreciated but not expressed enough.
The family wishes to recognize Therese’s primary care doctors through the years, Robert I. Anderson, John E. Kelly and Mary Hawthorne - - who knew her well and offered her outstanding medical care and personal attention.
Therese’s husband of 61 years, Paul W. Murray, died on June 28, 2010. She leaves her daughter, Mary Therese, and son-in-law, Atty. Frank A. Vargas III of Holden and her son, Cornelius W. and daughter-in-law, Jeanne R. Murray of Wallace, NC; six grandchildren, Frank A. Vargas IV, Dr. James E. “Ned” Vargas, Therese K. “Trina” Vargas, Kathryn E., married to Joseph A. Donadoni, Kevin W., married to Dr. Leslie R. Murray and Bryan P., married to Atty. Julie D. Murray; three great granddaughters, Meagan, Molly and Emily Donadoni; her brothers-in-law, Robert A. McManus and Donald J. Murray and his wife, Margaret, nieces, nephews, god-children and cousins. She was born, educated and lived in Worcester her whole life, the daughter of Cornelius E. and Mae (Brennan) McCarthy.
A prodigy on piano and organ, Therese served the Diocese of Worcester for 66 years as organist and music director at Blessed Sacrament Church, Worcester, St. Joseph Church, Leicester and immaculate Conception Church, Worcester. Her choirs often performed her own compositions and arrangements and she was a guest organist in many of the churches throughout the diocese. She taught piano and organ and belonged to many professional groups.
During World War II, she sang with and directed The Dorian Singers and The Carroll Club, and produced many USO shows. She was accompanist for the Worcester Music Festival of Chorus and numerous soloists, including her mother, her daughter and her granddaughter. She produced a series of musical shows during the 1950’s called “Music in the Air.” Her mission was to make people happy - - and she succeeded.
Therese was devoted to her family and friends. She enjoyed entertaining, cooking, traveling, interior decorating, gardening and most especially dancing with her husband. She particularly enjoyed being a part of the Friday Afternoon Club.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2010 from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 11:00AM in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street. Burial will be in Saint John’s Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605 or to Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 300 Barber Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606.