Helen Fitzgerald Murray, 88, a longtime resident of the Town of Hyde Park, died peacefully on March 24, 2023, at her home of 67 years with her husband by her side.

Born on July 19, 1934, in the City of Poughkeepsie, she was the daughter of the late Guy T. Fitzgerald and Ocie S. Saunders Fitzgerald. Helen attended Poughkeepsie High School where she was a twirler and Drum Majorette in the band. She graduated from the City of Poughkeepsie High School in 1952. She went on to study nursing through the Vassar Hospital Nursing Program and graduated in 1955 with her R.N.

Helen married Gerald F. Murray (who she met when she was 13 years old) on November 27, 1955, at The First Baptist Church of Poughkeepsie. Together, they made Hyde Park their home and raised their two sons. Helen worked as a nurse at Vassar Hospital, taught Nursing through the Dutchess County BOCES program, and worked for Dr. Winger and Dr. Alfred D'Auge, MDM before retiring.

Helen volunteered for numerous organizations including: Hospice, the First Baptist Church of Poughkeepsie, The Hyde Park Historical Society, and The Fairview Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.

Helen lived life to the fullest. She traveled through all 50 of the United States, Canada, as well as much of Europe, Israel, and in March of 2020 traveled to New Zealand and Australia. She loved going on bus trips to explore new places as well as her yearly trip to visit family near Staunton, Virginia.

For decades, every Thursday she would go bowling and out to lunch with some of her friends- 'The Bowling Ladies'. She also loved her outings with her friends the 'fire chicks'. Helen enjoyed going to yard sales to find a good bargain. She taught her grandchildren how to play piano and would spend time with each of them taking them on special outings and adventures. She loved her church, her family and her friends dearly and will truly be missed by those who were lucky enough to know her.

Helen Murray is survived by her husband, Gerald F. Murray; sons; Daniel Murray (Michele) and David F. Murray, both of Hyde Park; granddaughter, Sarah Helene Baiano (Christopher) of Poughkeepsie; grandsons, Matthew Murray (Kathryn) and Michael Murray, both of Hyde Park; great-grandson, Declan Murray; sister, Connee Sibulkin (Lou) of Gilbert, AZ; nieces, Dixie Lee Tung, and Colleen Decarlo; nephews, James Beckman, William Beckman, and Timothy Murray; and numerous cousins.

Helen was predeceased by her parents and her niece, Sally Ann Murray.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, March 28, 2023, from 4 to 8 PM at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park. A prayer service will take place at 7 PM during the visitation.

The Funeral Service will take place at 11 AM, Wednesday, March 29th at The Funeral Home with burial to follow in the family plot at Union Cemetery of Hyde Park.

Flowers may be sent to Sweet's Funeral Home or in lieu of flowers, Helen's family respectfully requests memorial donations to Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 80 Washington Street, Suite 204, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (www.hvhospice.org) or the First Baptist Church of Poughkeepsie, 164 South Cherry Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit Helen's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com.