Celia Anne Murrray
(July 30, 1950 - July 20, 2015)

'It's all good'. ...Those were Celia Anne Murray's three favorite words and a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer did nothing to disabuse her of devotion to their meaning. It's all good. And it was all good. Celia was born on July 30th, 1950, the first child and daughter of comedian Jan and Kathleen "Toni" Murray, whom she returned to on July 20th, 2015 when she gave her last breath. From her first to the last, it was all good because Celia made it all good. Endlessly positive and equally generous, Celia spent her 65 years giving to others. To her two children, Andrea (Alex) and Phillip Murray, she gave her heart. To her grandchildren, Parker and Levi Murray, she gave a smile larger than she had for any others. To her siblings, Howard (Molly), Diane and Warren (Fran) Murray, she gave her loyalty, a lifetime champion. To her nieces and nephews, Ian (Beth), Meredith, Jacob and Melanie Murray, Sarah and Mikey Krouse and to Jack and Danny Murray, her great nephews, she gave an open ear without judgment of any kind. And she gave everyone her love. Love, and gifts from QVC. That is who Celia was. A brilliant woman who offered her wisdom for 37 years to children as an elementary school teacher, always insisting on guiding young kids because that is when the mind is most open to new information. Few harsh words ever fell from Celia's lips, unless they were directed at defendants on Judge Judy or perps on Law & Order. Celia was exceedingly well read. Of course, most of that reading was pulp romance novels but few enjoyed having a book in their hands more than she. Celia was a private woman, but opened her home to those in need; anytime and every time they were in need. She traveled the world, went on safaris, owned and rode horses, celebrated every holiday with the enthusiasm and vigor of an 8-year old. She was not a good singer, but her rendition of Happy Birthday is the high standard by which all other recitals are held. Her Passover tunes contained such gusto, that despite not knowing what the Hebrew meant, a Seder was not a Seder until Celia offered up her mnemonic singing of Had Gadya. Born in New York City, she spent much of her life in Los Angeles, graduating from Beverly Hills High School and going on to earn a Masters in education from the University of Southern California. She loved the mountains and the snow. She embraced the magic of this world in both the spectacular and the mundane. Energy was a thing she harnessed and never stored; it was for sharing. There was no activity she wouldn't try once. Why? Because it's all good. Celia had one other phrase her family will be muttering in her honor until their own dying days; It is what it is. She was what she was. And what she was, was loved beyond measure, for all that she offered the world. Now offering it elsewhere. Lucky elsewhere. Services will be held 1pm on Sunday, July 26, 2015 at Hillside Memorial Park

Published in the Los Angeles Times on July 25, 2015