Mary Kathryn Murray, 60, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2017 after a long illness.

Mary K. was born on October 15, 1956 and is survived by parents Tom and Betty Murray and five sisters: Margaret, Julie, Jean (George Huston), Ruth and Teresa (Jack) Nicholas. Aunts, uncles and cousins in Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, New Mexico, Washington state and Indiana will miss her.

Prior to her disability, Mary K. enjoyed working at Barlow's, Crenlo and the Mayo Clinic. She loved her sisters, friends, house in Chatfield and vehicles.  Last year she parted with her '79 fire engine red TransAm but kept it in the family. Nephew Sam Nicholas is supremely grateful. Niece Ainslee Nicholas never tired of braiding Mary K.'s hair, and shared her penchant for pink flamingos and making cards with stamp pads. California nephew Gary Zimmermann remembers building snow forts in Mary K.'s yard.

Mary K. gave the best hugs and possessed the gift of contagious laughter.  Due to her stunning red hair, she thought she was more Irish than the rest of her sisters. Equal parts irascible and tenderhearted, she lived humbly but was unafraid to speak her mind. Mary K. avidly collected Oriental art, wind chimes and flamingos. She loved to cook for others – especially if the party was at her house. Most recently, she enjoyed making and sending personalized cards to friends and family.

Her family would like to express their deep thanks to Cottagewood staff and the many friends who called or visited Mary K. in recent years as her independence declined.

Family and friends are welcome to join us in celebrating Mary Kay's life at the Kahler Apache this Sunday, April 30th from noon to 2 pm .

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to the Channel One Food Bank, Chatfield's Public Library or the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Mayo Clinic.