Dori Anne Murray
July 30,1943 – February 9, 2016
Dori moved through life with an uncommon grace, wit, and a heart open to all she encountered. She was poised, confident and strong, sure of herself, yet humble. Classy is a word that defines Dori. Her gentle smiling presence belied the force of her spirit, and her unselfish ways were an unspoken lesson for all who had the pleasure to know her.
Dori’s proudest life achievement was raising four beautiful, successful, loving children born within six years of each other. She raised them largely by herself, and somehow made it seem easy. With her boundless energy and confident approach to life, their family home was a place of happiness and security that let her children feel loved and safe and become themselves grounded and loving people.
A close second to Dori’s pride in her children were her three descents into and out of the Grand Canyon in her late sixties. One of these adventures was a traverse down the North Rim and out the South Rim. Twenty two glorious miles involving a descent of 6,000 feet and an ascent of 5,000 feet.
Dori nurtured those she cared for. She loved to cook, and her baking is legendary among her friends and family. Her chocolate chip cookies were of the melt-in-your-mouth, swooning variety. She had a quick sense of humor, great taste in books and films and a wonderfully playful and nuanced way with the English language.
Dori built and actively maintained a tribe of enduring friendships and strong extended family ties that enriched her life and gave her family and friends a sense of community and continuity. She and her husband John had been together for 38 years, and Dori described him as the great passion in her life.
Born in Seattle, Washington, Dori moved to San Francisco at age 19 and made it her home for the rest of her life. Her career at UCSF spanned 25 years. She was preceded in death by her brothers Arthur and Paul Thiry, her beloved mother Grace Ellithorpe, and father Arthur Thiry. Dori is survived by her husband John; brothers: Walter Palmer, Gilbert Thiry, Day Ellithorpe; children: Christopher, Alexander, Minerva and Nathanael Tico; daughters-in-law: Wendy, Kristin and Rebecca; and grandchildren: Jonathan, Alex, Jordan, Morgan, Reeva, Adrian, Gabriella, and Sawyer. She was taken too soon, but died in peace after a year-long battle with ALS. Dori was a self-effacing hero who taught us how to live and love, and she will always be remembered.
Family and friends may visit Monday, February 15, 2016 from 4:00pm at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, where a vigil service will be held at 6:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday at 11:00am at St. Paul Catholic Church, 221 Valley St, San Francisco. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 1500 Mission Road, Colma. Donations can be made to Zen Hospice Project, 273 Page St, San Francisco, CA 94102.