Sophia Murray of Norristown

Sophia “Sophie” Murray passed away peacefully early Sunday, November 19, 2017, surrounded by her loving family at her residence in Norristown, PA. She was 91.

Born in Swedesburg, PA on June 5, 1926, she was a daughter of the late Ignatius and Catherine (Ewanick) Burry. Surviving is her loving family of six sons, Jay, Patrick, Bernie, Dennis, Michael, and Knute; three daughters-in-law, Connie, Linda and Gail; a sister, Catherine; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her late husband, former police officer and first democratic mayor of Norristown, John J. Murray Jr.; daughter-in-law Donna; three brothers, John, Michael, and Steve; and a sister, Mary.

Sophia graduated from Upper Merion High School, where she was a star athlete who played field hockey, starting on the varsity squad when she was only a sophomore. She worked at Merck Sharp and Dohme, retiring in 1991. She was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bridgeport, PA, and St. Patrick’s Church in Norristown, PA. Sophia was a proud, lifelong member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) Notre Dame Div. 2 of Montgomery Country. She was also a member of the Ladies FOP and Ladies AMBUCS organizations.

Sophia was all Norristown. She was a Norristown councilwoman for many years, and will be remembered for her spunkiness, and for always standing up for what she believed in. Sophia was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother (nana), greatgrandmother, and friend to all, and she will be deeply missed by many.

Relatives and friends are invited to share in Sophia’s Life Celebration Service at Boyd-HorroxGivnish of East Norriton, 200 W. Germantown Pike on Sunday, November 26th from 6 to 8 PM. An additional viewing will be held on Monday from 8:30 to 9:45 AM at St. Patrick Church, 714 DeKalb St., Norristown followed by a funeral Mass at 10 AM. Interment will be in SS. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Cemetery, King of Prussia, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sophia’s memory to St. Patrick’s Church, 714 DeKalb St., Norristown, PA 19401.

To share a thought or memory of Sophia, please visit www.lifecelebration. com, 610-277-7000.