Loretta Murray

Loretta Ellen (Archer) Murray, 83, of Bloomfield, beloved wife of the late John B. Murray, Jr. passed away Monday, November 8, 2021 peacefully in her sleep. Born in Beacon, NY, daughter of the late Walter Lee and Rusha Elsie (Holmes) Archer. Loretta grew up on a turkey farm and attended a one room school house in Hopewell Junction, NY. She had fond memories of her childhood and loved telling many stories about it. Loretta attended Fisher College, where she was the 2nd woman of color to graduate. After graduating she worked as a paralegal in Boston. After marrying John, she lived in NY for a few years before moving to Bloomfield where she continued to live for 51 years. She was always active in the community and was a devout member of Old Saint Andrews (OSA) Episcopal Church in Bloomfield where she was very active with the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of the Diocese of Connecticut. She was thrilled to watch both her children and then grandchildren participate in the children's programs at OSA. She enjoyed volunteering in the Boy Scouts of America with her two sons and working at the local paper, the Bloomfield Zip, during her early years in Bloomfield. In 1984, she started working at CIGNA as an administrative assistant arranging executive travel until she retired in 2001. After retiring, She enjoyed performing with the Music Makers of Bloomfield where she built many strong friendships. She also loved taking exercise classes at the pool in the Duncaster Aquatic Center where she also built many strong friendships. She had a passion for researching family heritage and was actively involved with the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe in Mashpee on Cape Cod (John's ancestors) where she received her native name Herringchoke from the medicine man. She was also inspired by her Pamunkey/Mattaponi ancestors when she worked on the artwork she loved. She was a very creative person and enjoyed making jewelry and other native crafts which she would share with her friends and family as well as sell at various craft fairs. She enjoyed traveling including vacationing with her adult children and their families, as well as extended family and friends. A highlight for her was traveling to Australia which she did with a senior group. She was extremely fond of animals and had a spiritual connection to many, surrounding herself with pictures and figurines of turtles, elephants and wolves to name a few. Over her lifetime, she had several cats and dogs and loved telling her grandchild stories about her pets. She was actively involved with her grandchildren and played an important role in their lives. She was loved and will be missed by many, she was a kind soul who touched many people's lives. She leaves her two sons J. Bradley Murray of Estero, FL and Kenneth W. Murray and his wife Debra of Bloomfield; her daughter Suzanne J. Murray of Hartford; her daughter-in-law Susan Murray of Granby; and five grandchildren Libby, Philip, Alex, Makayla, and Cameron Murray. Private Graveside Services for family will be in Old Saint Andrews Cemetery. A Memorial Gathering to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, December 11, 2021, 11 AM at Old Saint Andrew Episcopal Church, 49 Tariffville Road, Bloomfield. Memorial donations may be made to the NATIVE WELLNESS INSTITUTE*