Martha Allen Murdock

Murdock—Martha Allen Murdock, 97, on December 17, 2024, at a retirement community in Branford, Conn. Born on February 17, 1927, in Asheville, N.C., Martha 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; the University of Illinois Chicago; and Pratt Institute in New York City, where she received her master’s degree in library science. At the University of Illinois, she met and married Keith Chad Murdock, with whom she had two sons. In 1957, Martha and Chad moved to Pearl River, N.Y.

Martha had a passion for folk music, and could often be found leading songs around the campfire. She became involved with the Pearl River Public Library and later went on to become both a research librarian and the library’s art director for many years.

Martha was an active and adored member of Rockland Meeting in Blauvelt, N.Y. 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, N.C.

Martha was predeceased by her husband, Chad Murdock, in 2014; and her sister, Harriet Estelle Allen Styles.

She is survived by two children, Keith Murdock (Shaoli) and Neil Murdock (Faith); two grandchildren; one niece; and one nephew.