For the last 103 years, Josephine Eulalia SHAY MURRIN blessed this earth with her wit, charm and joy of family. Josephine died on Sunday, November 22nd at Riverview in East Peoria. Josephine was born July 17, 1906 in Maloy, Iowa. She graduated from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa in 1926. During her school years, she played the violin and was a featured soloist in concerts. She taught grade school in Iowa and married Raymond Francis MURRIN on Valentine's Day in 1928. They moved to Peoria in the 1930's.

Josephine was a member of St. Bernard and St. Philomena parishes in Peoria and later St. Thomas in Peoria Heights. She taught kindergarten at St. Mary's Grade School in Peoria during the 40's. She became head librarian for Block and Kuhl Department Store in the 50's. Mid-life, Josephine managed the china/silverware department at Carson Prairie, and Scott. She retired in the early 1970's and enjoyed visiting with her children and keeping up with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her most recent joy, the birth of a great-great-grandchild.

On her 100th birthday, she was honored along with other centurions on an NBC segment hosted by Willard SCOTT. Josephine mused that she owed her centurion status to her belief in the importance of loving your God; keeping your body moving; and learning to forgive and forget. Without a doubt, Josephine was a role model for living an active life.

She is survived by her 4 children: Mary Jo (Walter) NELSON of Bloomington, IL; Patricia (Earl) MOORE PEITZ (Earl) of Naples, FL, Kathy (Richard) BERGER of San Anselmo, CA; and Robert MURRIN of Northfield, IL; She has 10 grandchildren: Christine (Jim) GREEN of Ashburn, VA; Steven (Mary) SUNDERLAND of Londonderry, NH; Kevin (Tami) SUNDERLAND of Otisfield, ME; Tom (Judy) SUNDERLAND of Glendora, CA; Paula MOORE of Washington, D.C., Colleen (Chuck) of Peoria, IL; Maureen (Jim) GAFFNEY of Claredon Hills, IL; Teresa (George) GIRARDI of Ft. Collins, CO; Laura (Craig) McCLELLAN of Los Gatos, CA and Allison WELCH of Santa Cruz, CA. 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild also survive her.

She is preceded in death by her parents Josephine (1909) and Clement SHAY (1973); her husband Raymond (1966), and her beloved grandson, David MOORE (1979).

Services were entrusted to Wright and Salmon Mortuary of Peoria, Illinois.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2011

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