Obituary for Lorraine B. Murdick
Lorraine B. Murdick
Mrs. Lorraine Grace Bertrand Murdick, of Harwinton, CT, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the prayers and love of her family by her side on June 12, 2022. She was born on September 1, 1929 in Litchfield, CT to Grace Ellen (Anderson) and Joseph F. Bertrand. She was the beloved wife of Walter James Murdick, the one and only love of her life, who passed away much too young. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Earl J. Bertrand, who was tragically killed in a plane crash at the age of 20.
Lorraine was a graduate of Litchfield High School. She was co-captain of the women’s basketball team and played on the softball team. She was voted prettiest in her class. Her talent as a figure skater coincided on the ice with a player on a local men’s Hockey League, and the romance began, resulting in a very happy, loving marriage that ended too soon.
Lorraine was a 1950 graduate of St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, receiving her R.N. degree. Chosen as the prettiest nurse in her graduating class, the faculty voted to display her portrait at the International Nursing Conference in Paris, France. Following her graduation, she was a visiting nurse for the Brooker Memorial, a private duty nurse, and a nurse at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington. Later in life she received certification as an American Red Cross Nurse. After taking time off to raise her family, she became the School Nurse at Harwinton Consolidated School and was appointed School Nurse Coordinator for Regional School District #10. She retired after 31 years, touching the lives of hundreds of children who returned year after year to visit her. Following her retirement she would often be stopped while shopping or attending events by former “patients” to chat about “remember when.”
Lorraine was an extraordinary woman, full of beauty and grace. Kind, compassionate and forgiving, she looked for the best in others and always had an encouraging, supportive word. Her humble self-sacrifice helped all who knew her realize how much they are loved.
An amazing mother and Nana, Lorraine took every opportunity to support and take delight in the lives of her children and granddaughters. She attended every school function and sports event possible, bringing her love and laughter, and was their biggest fan. Lorraine liked exploring her Swedish and French heritage, passing on to her family the recipes and traditions which cultivated a closeness of family. Family Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings were a tradition that Mom always hosted in her home.
She enjoyed summering at her cottage at West Hill, where the family always gathered, family summer vacations at Cape Cod and winter vacations skiing in Vermont. Some of her travels included trips to the National Parks, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canadian Rockies and heli-hiking in the Cariboos.
In addition to traveling, Lorraine enjoyed bird watching, wildlife, walks in the woods, reading poetry, gardening, and attending Broadway shows. Above all else, she loved spending time with her loving family, especially her two granddaughters who were the light of her life.
Lorraine was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Torrington, and a charter member of the Harwinton Garden Club.
Left to honor her legacy and cherish her memory are her three loving children, daughters Kristine Murdick Coles ( Lee) of New Hartford, CT, with whom she was living, Kerrie Murdick Bayly (Christopher) of Freeport, FL, a son, James B. Murdick of Burlington, CT and his children with Suzanne, her loving granddaughters Madison Murdick and Brooklyn Murdick, both of Boston, MA.
A heartfelt thank you to Mom’s caregivers Tamara, Shannon, Jen M., and Kasha for their compassion and kindness during her short illness.
Funeral services and burial are private and will be presided by the Rev. Dr. G. Scott Cady of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Torrington, CT. There are no calling hours. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Torrington, CT.
Donations in her memory can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
Thurston Rowe Funeral Home in Litchfield, CT is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Lorraine Grace Bertrand Murdick, of Harwinton, CT, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the prayers and love of her family by her side on June 12, 2022. She was born on September 1, 1929 in Litchfield, CT to Grace Ellen (Anderson) and Joseph F. Bertrand. She was the beloved wife of Walter James Murdick, the one and only love of her life, who passed away much too young. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Earl J. Bertrand, who was tragically killed in a plane crash at the age of 20.
Lorraine was a graduate of Litchfield High School. She was co-captain of the women’s basketball team and played on the softball team. She was voted prettiest in her class. Her talent as a figure skater coincided on the ice with a player on a local men’s Hockey League, and the romance began, resulting in a very happy, loving marriage that ended too soon.
Lorraine was a 1950 graduate of St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, receiving her R.N. degree. Chosen as the prettiest nurse in her graduating class, the faculty voted to display her portrait at the International Nursing Conference in Paris, France. Following her graduation, she was a visiting nurse for the Brooker Memorial, a private duty nurse, and a nurse at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington. Later in life she received certification as an American Red Cross Nurse. After taking time off to raise her family, she became the School Nurse at Harwinton Consolidated School and was appointed School Nurse Coordinator for Regional School District #10. She retired after 31 years, touching the lives of hundreds of children who returned year after year to visit her. Following her retirement she would often be stopped while shopping or attending events by former “patients” to chat about “remember when.”
Lorraine was an extraordinary woman, full of beauty and grace. Kind, compassionate and forgiving, she looked for the best in others and always had an encouraging, supportive word. Her humble self-sacrifice helped all who knew her realize how much they are loved.
An amazing mother and Nana, Lorraine took every opportunity to support and take delight in the lives of her children and granddaughters. She attended every school function and sports event possible, bringing her love and laughter, and was their biggest fan. Lorraine liked exploring her Swedish and French heritage, passing on to her family the recipes and traditions which cultivated a closeness of family. Family Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings were a tradition that Mom always hosted in her home.
She enjoyed summering at her cottage at West Hill, where the family always gathered, family summer vacations at Cape Cod and winter vacations skiing in Vermont. Some of her travels included trips to the National Parks, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canadian Rockies and heli-hiking in the Cariboos.
In addition to traveling, Lorraine enjoyed bird watching, wildlife, walks in the woods, reading poetry, gardening, and attending Broadway shows. Above all else, she loved spending time with her loving family, especially her two granddaughters who were the light of her life.
Lorraine was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Torrington, and a charter member of the Harwinton Garden Club.
Left to honor her legacy and cherish her memory are her three loving children, daughters Kristine Murdick Coles ( Lee) of New Hartford, CT, with whom she was living, Kerrie Murdick Bayly (Christopher) of Freeport, FL, a son, James B. Murdick of Burlington, CT and his children with Suzanne, her loving granddaughters Madison Murdick and Brooklyn Murdick, both of Boston, MA.
A heartfelt thank you to Mom’s caregivers Tamara, Shannon, Jen M., and Kasha for their compassion and kindness during her short illness.
Funeral services and burial are private and will be presided by the Rev. Dr. G. Scott Cady of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Torrington, CT. There are no calling hours. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Torrington, CT.
Donations in her memory can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
Thurston Rowe Funeral Home in Litchfield, CT is in charge of arrangements.