Clella Bay Murray, 91, of Jennersville, died Saturday, May 28. She was a loving wife and mother.
Clella was born June16, 1930 in Albia, Iowa to Dr. Francis and Ada (Kupfer) Bay. She received a bachelor’s degree from Smith College in genetics and embryology, followed by an master’s in the field from the University of Michigan. She continued her scientific career in research at the Oak Ridge National Labs in Tenn. In 1956, she married her fellow researcher, Richard, when they were working together at Oak Ridge. They later settled in Delaware, and raised their daughters, Ada Ruth and Annette.
Clella was proud of the research that she did at Oak Ridge, looking at the atomic effects on chromosomes. Impressively, after raising her two daughters, she studied computer programming, and worked in programming and writing training manuals at the University of Delaware and small writing companies. Her passion for writing was continued later in her life with the publication of three novels, a mystery series of four books, a young adult historical fiction book, and most recently a children’s Christmas story.
Over the years, Clella provided leadership and support for many organizations surrounding her love of reading, writing, gardening and music. Her creativity enabled growth for the Newark Symphony Society, and she served on the board of and volunteered for the Newark Library for many years. She was a master gardener, and left scissors by her glorious garden in Jenners Pond to share her flowers with those who walked by. She received the prestigious first place in the young adult fiction section from the National Federation of Press Woman for her book Dangerous Journey and was Woman of the Year in 2005 for the University of Delaware Women’s Club. A little-known fact is that she also smocked baby clothes to donate to families of stillborn children, to provide comfort in their time of need.
Even with her career, hobbies and volunteering, Clella never wavered that family came first. Her love for her Iowa homeland and family was matched by the passion with which she threw herself in to support everything in which her husband and two daughters were involved. Her daughters continue to feel the pride and confidence she instilled in them. Clella was known by all for her generous nature and talent for entertaining. She had a knack for making everyone feel welcome and part of her larger family network. She creatively introduced her family to all kinds of new activities from Chinese Opera to camping, and she engendered a love of travel in her children and grandchildren by organizing numerous family trips for vacations around the globe (London, Italy, France and Japan). Special places for her included a cottage in the woods of NC, and a beach condo in Bethany, DE where she hosted annual sand castle contests.
Clella was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Richard Murray, her parents Frank and Ada and her siblings Chloe Coon, Carol Daniels and Celia Bay. She is survived by daughter, Ada Koch and her husband Kevin and children Megan Schraedley (husband Eric), Gwen and RJ; daughter, Annette Orella and her husband Chuck and children Michael and Frankie; and an army of friends she held near and dear.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Jenners Pond Allison Building Theater at 1 pm June 17. A private family service will be held at the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square PA prior to burial in the family cemetery in Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Longwood Gardens (https://longwoodgardens.org/support/honor-and-memorial-gifts) or The Newark Symphony (https://newarksymphony.org/support-the-nso/) Please indicate ‘In memory of Clella Murray’ on your donation so the family is able to express their gratitude.
To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit, www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com
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