Mary "Joanne" Murray, Sharpsville, passed away peacefully at 2:00 a.m. Thursday (3-10-16) at her residence with her family and friends at her side. She was 81.

Born on December 17, 1934 in Youngstown, Ohio, Joanne was the daughter of Harold Beight and Helen M. Peters (Beight), both of whom preceded her in death. Joanne was a lifelong area resident. She attended St. Joseph's Elementary School in Sharon and graduated from Sharpsville High School in 1952.

Joanne was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was a former member of St. Bartholomew's Church, Sharpsville, and St. Stanislaus Kostka, Sharon, and later became a member of the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage.

Joanne married the late William (Bill) T. Murray on July 3rd, 1954 and celebrated 50 years of blissful marriage, raising five adoring children. Joanne and Bill enjoyed sightseeing, often taking the roads less traveled to explore the delights of small towns, shops and local inhabitants. Their journeys took them all across the country, often visiting relatives and friends along the way. One milestone was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream: visiting Ireland and its surrounding countries. During a stop-off at an Irish pub in 2001, they watched the 9/11 tragedy unfold with fellow travelers and patrons in stunned silence. They were comforted by compassionate locals as they reboarded the bus.

Joanne held various jobs throughout her life, including Universal C.I.T. Credit Corporation, JCPenney, the office of Dr.'s Samuel Woodings and Donald K. Stoudt and the Sharpsville School District. She was also a volunteer for the former Buhl-Henderson Library and the Mercer County Senior Follies.

Among her many hobbies, Joanne was an accomplished pianist, an avid reader, a gifted writer and a member of both a local book club and a writers group. She also loved sewing, cross-stitching and water aerobics. She spent several years chronicling her life experiences and views through the written word, ultimately publishing the stories in a book entitled "Essays From 75." On her 75th birthday, Joanne was surprised with a book-signing celebration by family and friends.

Her husband, William T. Murray, passed away December 16, 2004. Joanne is survived by her daughter, Cynthia J. Susi, and her husband Dr. Rick Susi, Winter Springs, FL, and four sons: Kevin J. Murray and his wife Lisa, Blue Springs, MO; Michael A. Murray, Pittsburgh, PA; Patrick T. Murray and his wife Julie, Sharpsville, PA; and Steven J. Murray and his wife Patta, Toledo, OH. She also leaves ten grandchildren: Christina (Nate) DeAngelis, William "Billy" Susi, Jamie Murray, Amanda (Scott) Schaeuble, Cassandra "Cassie" Murray, Delaney Murray, Ryan Murray, Kyle Murray, Kristen Murray, and Jordan Murray; and seven great-grandchildren: Abby, Carter, Emma, Riley, Brayden, Makenzie and Gabby. Joanne also leaves her brother, Thomas Schaller, and his wife Sandra, Smethport, PA; her dearly devoted friend and guardian, Ed Schweiss, Sharpsville, PA; and her beloved friends Francis and Ruth Murray, North Olmstead, OH.

In addition to her husband and parents, Joanne was also preceded in death by her step-father, Thomas Schaller, a step-brother, Ralph Schaller, two step-sisters, Norma Williams and Jean Fleet, and her daughter-in-law, Ellen Murray.

Joanne's Catholic education and ensuing devotion to her faith led to her highest aspiration, which was to instill a strong sense of compassion, understanding and unconditional love for others in her children and their families.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests that anyone wishing to make a contribution in her memory please consider donating to the Community Library of the Shenango Valley or Sharon Regional Health System's Hospice and Palliative Care Service.

Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday ( 3-14-16 ) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 1090 E. State St. Sharon, PA.

Services: Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday ( 3-15-16 ) in the Church of Notre Dame with Rev. with the Rev. Jeffrey J. Noble pastor as celebrant.

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.