Joan Murray

Joan was born in New York and in her lifetime she lived many places including Pittsburg, Switzerland, Italy, Japan the Philippines and Arizona. This varied cultural exposure influenced her appreciation of beauty, art and diversity. Always intelligent, a fastidious student of many subjects, fluent in Italian and French, Joan graduated from Sophia University in Tokyo with a B.A. in Art History. She then earned a Masters in Theology in the Philippines. Joan worked for Dart Industries in Italy as a human resource specialist for Vanda Products. Later Joan settled in Carmel to be with her family, purchasing a majestic parcel of coastal property in the Highlands. In building her new home, she set about creating an environment of peace and tranquility that would integrate all the things she aesthetically valued: beauty, nature, simplicity, conservation and inspired design. She became involved in many community philanthropic endeavors and volunteered her time to several local organizations, including Hospice. Joan was an inspiration to many as she courageously battled health concerns most of her life, overcoming difficulties with grace, determination and elegance. She passed surrounded by family and friends. She is survived by James G. Murray III of New York, Patricia Huse of Hawaii, Judy Allrich of Carmel and many loving nieces and nephews. Joan planned a "celebration of life" which her friends are now honoring by hosting a potluck gathering on February 15, 2014 from 5-7pm at the Vista Lobos Community room, 3rd Ave. between Torres & Junipero in Carmel.