Shirley Anne Murtaugh
August 6, 1928 — March 20, 2015
Born on August 6th, 1928 in Illinois, Shirley came to be known for her beautiful singing voice and her radiant smile. She married Tom Murtaugh in 1949 and they moved their nascent family to Long Beach in 1955. She was deeply devoted to her husband and eight children, her church, her community and to the rights of the unborn.
During the ?60s and ?70s, SAM was very active in the St. Cornelius Parish Choir. She donated her time and talents to such church activities as the annual Bazaar and the immensely popular theatre production Spot Lighters.
SAM was one of the early pioneers of the Right to Life League of Southern California. She was part of the first team of educators on the true nature of abortion. Her support for the League spanned parts of five decades, from 1977 to 2014. In 1978 SAM became Education Director and in 1979, Executive Director of the Right to Life League of Southern California, a position in which she served until 1984. Her efforts and council in support of the League continued the rest of her life.
SAM was also devoted to the mission of the YMCA. She was a board member to the Weingart-Lakewood YMCA for over 25 years. She served as Chair of the Board of Managers, Chair of the Annual Campaign and is a founder of the Heritage Club. SAM was a gourmet cook and often donated her talent for the annual Children's Charity Auction. She loved water volleyball and played with friends and YMCA members several times a week for over twenty years.
SAM was interested and involved in her community even in her later years. She was an avid contributor to the "Letters to the Editor" pages of the Long Beach Press Telegram.
Shirley is survived by her eight children, eighteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was artistic, creative and gracious, making friends wherever she went. Shirley will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A Memorial Reception will be held on April 18 at 3pm at the Weingart-Lakewood YMCA, 5835 East Carson St. Lakewood, CA 90713. Donations in her name to the Lakewood YMCA Strong Kids Campaign or the Right to Life League of Southern California are very much appreciated.
Arrangements under the direction of Luyben-Dilday Mortuary, Long Beach, CA.
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