Mary Catherine (Callahan) Murray

Mary Catherine Murray, 84, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on September 23, 2023 at Bickford Senior Memory Care in Battle Creek. Born on December 1, 1938, in Battle Creek, Mary was the daughter of Ralph and Mary (Burns) Callahan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Murray, and her brother, James Callahan.

Mary dedicated her life to education, starting her career as a teacher in the Battle Creek Public School Systems. She later became a Principal at Mckinley Elementary, leaving a lasting impact on the students and staff she worked with. In 1988, Mary's exceptional dedication to education was recognized when she was awarded as an Outstanding Educator by the Battle Creek Area High Schools and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation.

Mary's passion for learning extended beyond her career. In 1956 Mary graduated from St. Philips Catholic High School. She then obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Education and minor in History from Maryville College of the Sacred Heart in St. Louis, MO, graduating in June 1960. She furthered her education by earning a Masters in Education from Western Michigan University.

Outside of her professional life, Mary had a variety of interests and hobbies. She enjoyed boating on "The Muskateer" in Saugatuck and traveling to Europe, the Mediterranean, and Alaska. She enjoyed golfing and volunteering at the hospitals in Battle Creek and in Sun Lakes. Sun Lakes, AZ is where she shared a home with her husband during the cold winters of Michigan. She also found it rewarding to volunteer on the Indian reservation, helping the children learn how to read.

Mary had a strong faith and was an active member of St. Philip Roman Catholic Church in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was a proud alumni of Maryville College and a past member of the board. She was also a member of Junior League of Battle Creek and P.E.O. Along with her husband, she created the Alfred and Mary Endowed Scholarship for the study of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University.

Mary will be deeply missed by her stepson, Lawrence (Jill) Murray, step grandchildren, Matthew (Rosalie) and Garrett Murray, step great-grandchild, Noah Murray, Godson Michael Amy, Goddaughter Janine Rivera Gallant, and sister-in-law, Theresa Callahan.

The family will receive visitors at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 2838 Capital Ave. SW Battle Creek, Michigan 49015 on Friday, October 6, 2023 from 9:30am until 10:30am followed by 11:00am Mass at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, 112 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek. We will then travel to Battle Creek Memorial Park Cemetery for a graveside service followed by a small luncheon at St. Philip Parish Center.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Philip Catholic Church (112 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, Michigan 49017.