Obituary of Deborah Murray

Deborah Kassor Murray passed away on October 1, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Hospital at the age of 90. Born and raised in West Hartford, CT., Deborah attended The Chaffee School and graduated from Wellesley College. In high school, she met Raymond who would become her husband of 52 years. Together they journeyed through Harvard Law School with two young sons before settling in Central New York where her husband practiced law at Bond, Schoeneck, and King for nearly fifty years. She created a warm and loving home for her family at residences in Syracuse, Fayetteville, and eventually Cazenovia. As the devoted mother of six sons, Deborah spoke often of being very fulfilled by the roles of homemaker and mother, friend and mentor. As a newcomer in Syracuse, Deborah became very active in several civic and charitable organizations including the Junior League and the Huntington Family Center. Subsequently, she devoted time to her alma mater and other causes. As a young girl she reveled in the outdoor life and nature and continued in that spirit throughout her life with a wide set of interests including tennis, golf, skiing, gardening and bird-watching. She loved swimming and exercise. Bridge, mahjong, and book club participation occupied her later in life. Throughout her life, Deborah cherished time near the sea, especially at Ballston Beach in Truro, Cape Cod and at Vero Beach in Florida. Her family was blessed to spend one last week with her at Ballston Beach this past August in celebration of her 90th birthday. Deborah made and kept many loyal friends throughout her life. She possessed a generous spirit and a gift for empathy and compassion toward everyone she knew. Deborah could always be counted on to support friends in need. Deborah was predeceased by her husband Raymond, her parents, Otto and Hazel Kassor, her youngest son, Peter and her sister, Virginia Phelps. She is survived by her children David (Libbi), Mark (Joanna), Kevin (Jane), Matt (Oksana), and Chris (Lisa); her grandchildren Katherine (Curt Reis), Samuel; William, Taylor (Avni), Sarah, Michael, Allison (Jason Sempey), Sean Davis (Ashley), Victoria Trofimova, Andrew, Caroline and Peter; her great grandchildren, Charles Reis, Nicholas Reis, and Owen Sempey; and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12 p.m. Friday, October 7, 2016 at St. James Church, 6 Green St., Cazenovia. Calling hours will be held in the church Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. prior to the Mass. A reception will be held at the Cazenovia Club following Mrs. Murray's funeral Mass. Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 8, 2016 at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Please meet at the Randall Road entrance of the cemetery.