Catherine Flaherty Murray

Catherine Flaherty Murray ( B: 9-22-1929) died August 13,2023, one month before her 94th birthday. She was the fourth child from Irish immigrants who met, married and settled in Jersey City, New Jersey. Education was paramount, as all four siblings attained at least college degrees. Her siblings who preceded her in death are: Edward Flaherty (Montclair, NJ), Mary Duffy Ohara (River Vale NJ), and Margaret Gillen (Lincroft NJ).

After graduating from the College of St. Elizabeth (Convent Station, NJ) with a degree in Food and Nutrition, Catherine worked as a dietician at both the Margaret Hague Hospital (Jersey City, NJ) and the Prudential Co (Newark, NJ). Catherine finished her career as the School Food Director for the Archdiocese of Louisville, KY (1975 – 1987).

Catherine “Said Yes”, accepting a date to the high school senior prom (St. Michaels of Jersey City, NJ) with the class clown and teacher’s pet: William HJ Murray. The rest of the love story played out for all to witness. William preceded her in death (1993), but all who knew Catherine saw that their bond and love transcended life and death. Pop Pop was very much a part of our lives and will continue to be in part due to Catherine’s devotion.

After New Jersey, they lived in Manchester. New Hampshire, Tokyo, Japan, and settled in Louisville, Kentucky in 1974. General Electric (or “Generous Electric” as Dad often said) afforded them the opportunity to travel the world extensively with 3 of their children.

Catherine kept busy in recent years with Ronald McDonald House of Louisville, Veritas Society at Bellarmine University and was a pillar of faith and light at Mother of Good Counsel, which became Saint Bernadette Catholic Church. A voracious reader, and still doing downward dogs at 93, Mom Mom was our rock. With her devotion to daily Rosary, we depended on her novenas for strength, direction and guidance.

She was preceded in death by her son John Murray (1959-1963), husband William HJ Murray (1928-1993) .

Mom Mom is survived by 3 children: William J Murray (Trish) of Rockville, MD, Nanne Finis (Jerry) of Inverness, IL, and Ellen Creely (Jim) of Prospect, KY. She has nine grandchildren: Anna Finis, Sarah Finis Chapman (Brian), Jack Finis, Katie Murray, Mary Claire Murray and Claire Creely, Maggie Creely, Rachel Creely, and Angela Creely. Also Mom Mom’s many nieces and nephews scattered around the country continue to fill our hearts with love and support.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either St. Vincent De Paul Society of Saint Bernadette or to Saint Bernadette (6500 St Bernadette Avenue Prospect, KY 40059)

Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, August 22 10 am at Saint Bernadette (Prospect, KY) Narthex, with a funeral Mass to follow at 11am. Meal to be served in the parish center with Internment at Calvary Cemetery to follow.