Hilary Murray

Hilary A. Murray, 77 of Bristol, Maine, and long-time Needham and West Bridgewater Massachusetts resident, passed away peacefully at her home on the afternoon of April 4, 2020. 

The daughter of Andrew J and Mabel Thomson Wayson, Hilary is survived by her husband, Paul C. Murray of Bristol, ME; brother, Alan Wayson of Concord, NC; son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Mignonne Murray of Natick, MA; granddaughter, Mackenzie; niece, Laura and her husband Jens Jungmann of Arlington, TX; nephew, Tom and his wife Laura Wayson of Owego, NY; and Nephew-in-law, Paul Santadonato of Buffalo, NY; along with 6 collective grand-nieces and nephews, Ian, Katie, Emma, David, Andrea and Sarah. 

Hilary was a life-long animal lover and conservationist who deeply enjoyed the outdoors and her many pets, most notably her horses, cats and chickens. A graduate of Needham High School (class of 1960), she graduated from Northeastern University in 1965, and was a member of Northeastern's first women's downhill ski team. Hilary also attended graduate school at Simmons College. 

Hilary worked for many years as a librarian both at MIT, and later at Wheaton College in Norton, MA where she served in the Acquisitions department as the Gifts Librarian before retiring and moving to Maine, fulfilling a long-time life goal of living closer to nature. 

Hilary also participated in West Bridgewater’s bicentennial planning in 1976, and was an active figure in conservation efforts in the town.  A woman truly ahead of her time, her diminutive stature could not contain her potency and determination that mixed seamlessly with her friendly, caring and humorous spirit. 

Due to the pandemic, a celebration of life is planned for a future date. Friends and family may either contact the family directly, or visit: www.StrongHancock.com for updates and details on those arrangements.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543.  Condolences, and messages for her family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.

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