Martha Murdock

by Members of the family, including Faith Brzostoski

Martha Allen Murdock was called home to the mountains December 17, 2024.

Born In Asheville, North Carolina, she spent her childhood summers living with her family in a canvas tent at the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp. Her father, Alfred Allen, helped build and run the camp for many years. It was her time there that sparked her love for nature and taught her the names of all plants and animals. Martha also achieved an NRA Marksmanship certification during her time there. She loved to camp and was adept at starting campfires in the rain.

She attended North Carolina Women’s College, University of Illinois, Chicago, and Pratt Institute where she received her Masters Degree in Library Science.

It was at University of Illinois where she met and married Chad Murdock, whom she had two sons with. In 1957 Martha and Chad moved to Pearl River, NY.

Martha had a passion for folk music, and could often be found leading songs around the campfire. She became involved with the Pearl River Library when it was in the original building on S.Main Street and later went on to become both a Research Liberian and the library’s Art Director for many years.

Martha was an active and adored member of Rockland Friends Meeting. Her home was always open to children of all ages.

She loved leading the children from her neighborhood on nightly walks in the spring where they would find frogs and identify them by their songs.

A part of Martha’s heart always remained in the Appalachian Mountains, where she often visited her sister’s family in Swannanoa, NC.

Martha is survived by sons Keith and wife Shaoli, Neil and wife Faith, her grandchildren William and Maia, and her sister Harriet Styles’ children Allen and Dede.