Jacqueline M. Murray

Jacqueline “Jackie” (Dogwill) Murray, 67, of Harrison, Michigan passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9th at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, Michigan surrounded by love.

Jackie is survived by her husband of 40 years Gary Murray, son Vince (Katy) Murray, daughter Sarah (Carlin) Murray, sister Terry (Daniel) Kearney, and loving nieces, nephews and great nephews. Jackie will also be missed by her grand-dog Banjo whom she loved deeply. Jackie has reunited in heaven with her parents, Marion and Genevieve Dogwill and her brother Gregory “Chip” Dogwill.

Jackie grew up in a close knit family in Hazel Park, Michigan. She loved to share stories of growing up with her siblings and of how her three Uncles took her everywhere to do something fun. She was active in ballet and dreamed of travel. 

Jackie eventually settled in Harrison with her love, Gary. It was here the couple built their log home where they would raise their family. Jackie enjoyed spending the summers at the family cottage in Houghton Lake. She loved boating, a great bonfire and made sure everyone felt welcome to be there. Jackie also loved the warmth of the sun and later enjoyed visiting the beaches in Destin, Florida with her family. 

If Jackie’s love language was cooking for those she cared about, Sunday dinners were always her biggest meal to showcase it. She also loved to give gifts and cherished holidays, particularly Christmas time. Her patience, humor, and love of music completed her home. Above all, her greatest joy was being “Mom”. 

Jackie retired as a special education paraprofessional with the Harrison Community Schools. She became a “Mom” to many kids over the years. She developed a deep connection with the students she served, many of which she kept in contact with long after they graduated. 

She had a magnetic soul who made it impossible to leave without saying “goodbye” and “I love you” several times, the epitome of a Polish goodbye. While Jackie enjoyed solitude, ultimately, she will be remembered for how she cared for others - her kindness, ability to befriend everyone, and being a fierce champion of her children.

A remembrance mass is being planned in Hazel Park, Michigan. A celebration of life will follow this Spring/Summer in Harrison, Michigan. Dates & times to be updated. 

In lieu of flowers; the family asks to support Jackie’s legacy in special education services or by planting a tree in her name. 

Donations can be sent to: 

Clare-Gladwin RESD

In honor of Jacqueline Murray

4041 E. Mannsiding Road

Clare, MI 48617

Plant a tree: 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hiawatha/recreation/?cid=fsbdev3_018720

Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.