Obituary of Claire Lynne Holden Murray

Claire Lynne Holden Murray, Life Long Rock Ridger

Claire Lynne Holden Murray passed suddenly on the morning of Tuesday, August 18, 2020. She shared 60 years of her compassionate, goofy, sunshine personality with her family, friends, and neighbors while living in the house her father built along the shore of Rock Ridge Lake in Denville. A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, August 24th at 11 am at the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Rockaway. Friends and relatives may visit on Sunday, August 23rd from 3-6 pm at the Norman Dean Home for Services and on Monday from 3-6 for an informal outdoor socially distant memorial at Claire’s favorite place, the Rock Ridge Lake beach in Denville.

Born in 1960 to the late Clifford and Bernice Holden, Claire was one of four children to bless the Holden family. After attending Morris Knolls High School where she enjoyed playing in the marching band (class of 1978), she headed to Wilkes College, in Pennsylvania where she met her future husband John Murray. They fell in love and she brought him back to Denville, to the home she loved. She returned to school at home and went to Community College of Morris where she found her love for Biology and Chemistry. They married in 1984 and started their family. Claire worked as a medical lab tech before raising her three young children. She was an adoring mom who enjoyed sharing her love for the beach and the lake with her family. She loved the outdoors and all of its wonder. She was a life-long Rock Ridger who enjoyed Hub Lakes swimming, volleyball, and track. She organized many events from girl scouts, treasure hunts, campouts, and children’s events. Most days Claire could be found kayaking, swimming, or walking around her beloved Rock Ridge Lake. She was sweet and caring and loved animals. She had many dogs; Tawny, Shamrock, and Maggie over the years; as well as her beloved feline, Emmy. She was a wonderful mother, friend, wife and lover of life; she will be missed beyond words.

She brought 35 years of joy to her husband John (Jack); her children Cara Murray, Amanda Hatke (married to David) and John D Murray; her siblings Beth Jelinek, Mark Holden, and Karen Tincher; Mother-in-Law Anna Murray; nieces and nephews Lauren Jelinek and Annelise Madsen (married to Thomas); Samuel, Mary and Emily Tincher; and many more dear relatives, friends and neighbors.

Please share your memories here. Her family will cherish them forever.

Claire's family have chosen to host a Go Fund Me for Rock Ridge.  For those who desire to make a donation in her memory, please find the link below.

Donations in Claire's Memory may be made here