Obituary of Mikki Murray

Mildred Pearl "Mikki" Murray, affectionately known as "Mikki," touched the lives of countless individuals throughout her life. She was born on March 7, 1948 to her late parents Rose and Lawrence McKenna. Sisters Rose “Pixie” Lavendol and Susan Leidner, have also preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother Larry (Jane) McKenna; children Ken (Kristin) Murray, Anne (Bob) Birr, Roni (Brian) Young, Hailey Hosmer-Murray; grandchildren Kelsey Murray, Alexandra Birr, Madalena Birr, Zachary Young, Abigail Young; as well as many extended family members through her siblings’ and cousins’ families. 

Born and raised on Long Island, New York, she never lost her accent or her love for the ocean. She was proud to have studied computing in college in the 60s, and to have worked on the Lunar Module as a keycard punch operator. 

A lifelong asthmatic, she moved to Tucson in 1969 for the dry climate, and some years later became a Foster Parent with the intention of adopting to expand her young family. Instead, she embraced a calling for caring for children in need. As a founding board member of the original Pima County Foster Parent Association, she helped build a community to support each other. Her dedication earned her the honor of Foster Parent of the Year in 1993 and 2003. In 2022 she retired and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Department of Child Safety and was honored by the Governor’s office with a letter of Commendation for over 40 years of service and the care of over 200 children.  

To use some of her expressions, Mikki’s vibrant personality shone through in her “gift of gab,” and she always cooked to “feed an army.” Those who knew her would say “she would give you the shirt off her back.” She loved collecting lighthouses, nutcrackers, recipe books, and good friends. 

Committal Service

10:00am 

Friday, August 18, 2023

Evergreen Mortuary & Cemetery

3015 N Oracle Rd., Tucson, Arizona

(520-888-7470)

Enter at the light at Ft Lowell and Oracle and follow that road straight back. 

Funeral Reception 

Following the funeral we will gather for a light meal at a private home in Rita Ranch. Address will be provided by family. 

Celebration of Life

Will be arranged within the next couple months. If you are interested in gathering with us, please email [email protected] to be notified of plans. 

Her compassion and care continue to inspire, evident in the lives she touched and the love she shared. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite children’s charity in her name.