Dorette M. Murray

Dorette M. Murray passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at her home. She was 89 years old. She is survived by her children, Keith L. Murray, wife Vicky, Laura Murray Ellison, husband Douglas, grandchildren Mary Ellison, Brendan Ellison, and Samantha Murray; brother-in-law Kenneth W. Murray, wife Bonnie; sister-in-law Dawn McIntyre and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband of 62 years, Lawrence (Larry) Murray; parents Hilmar and Mary Kathryn Mueller; sister Marilyn Mueller, sister Elise Mueller Bruno, and brother, H. Robert Mueller. Dorette grew up in Hamilton Square, N.J. and graduated from Hamilton High School in 1954. She then attended the University of Delaware where she met her future husband, Larry Murray, at a freshman dance. They married in August after both graduating from the U. of D. Dorette received a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. The couple lived in Wilmington, Delaware for three years where Dorette taught at Oak Grove Elementary School. They then moved to Salisbury, MD where she continued her graduate studies at Salisbury University and received a master’s degree plus an additional thirty graduate credits. Her career spanned 28 years and included being a classroom teacher, reading teacher, special education teacher, and working in the infant and toddler program. She was nominated for Teacher of the Year by her colleagues and represented Wicomico County. She was one of the five finalists for the state award. Dorette and Larry joined the Wicomico Presbyterian Church and were active members for 43 years. Larry served as church treasurer for 22 years before one was hired, treasurer of Wicomico Presbyterian Properties, Inc., and trustee. Dorette served as Sunday School teacher, deacon, and elder. She was also a member of the bell choir. Together, they were Youth Fellowship Leaders, helped with the Soup kitchen and co-chaired the sanctuary restoration committee. During that time, Dorette was appointed to the election board and served for 30 years. Whatever activity involved their children also involved Larry and Dorette. This included swim team, scouting, youth fellowship a church, and musical programs. Dorette played the cello in the Salisbury Symphony and Salisbury String quartet. Boating was always a big part of Larry’s and Dorette’s lives. Their first sailboat was a day Sailer Larry built the first year they were married. This was followed by Rhodes Ranger sailboat that would accommodate overnight sailing in Chesapeake Bay. In 1995, they bought their dream boat- a B-40 and sailed that extensively for 25 years. They moved to Oxford, MD in 2004 where Dorette volunteered in the Community Center activities, museum, and library. They enjoyed their retirement years sailing, fishing, and crabbing. They also enjoyed exploring and hiking the National Parks. They joined the Easton Presbyterian Church when they moved to Oxford. Dorette continued in the bell choir and together she and Larry served as ushers and on the organ restoration project. Interment will be in the Oxford Cemetery where private family service will be held on Friday April 3, 2026. Following the interment, the family will receive guests at a luncheon at 109 First Street Oxford, MD at 12 pm on Friday April 3, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Easton Presbyterian Church, Oxford Community Center, Oxford Fire Department, Oxford Museum, or a charity of your choice.

Dorette M. Murray

July 14, 1936 - March 26, 2026