Dorothy Louise Murray

Dorothy Louise Murray (born Bertsch), age 92, died peacefully surrounded by the love of her family in Akron, Ohio on April 1, 2021.

She was born on June 3, 1928 in Akron, Ohio to the late Frank and Mary Bertsch. She was the youngest of five children. In 1951 she married the late Ray Murray.

Dorothy was a 1946 graduate of Akron Garfield High School. Dorothy lived her entire life in Akron. After High School she worked at the Firestone Bank. She also ran the family’s camper business for 14 years. She spent most of her life raising and loving her family.

In her younger days Dorothy enjoyed bowling and was an avid card player for her entire life.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary Bertsch; her husband, Ray; and her siblings, Frank, Lucy, Tom and Katherine.

She is survived by her son, James Murray, Daughter, Nancy Kusinski; son-in-law, John Kusinski; grandson, Doug Murray; granddaughter, Eryn Ewing; ex-daughter-in law, Nancy Murray and ex-son-in-law, Dana Ewing.

There are people the family wants to thank for helping provide love and care to Mom over her final few years. Each of you made a difference in her life – and in ours as well:

Joyce Duke, Mom’s niece. When Mom could no longer drive Joyce was always there to take her to countless appointments, and to card games across the area. Those games meant so much to her – the competitive card shark that she was. Joyce would also spend time with her at home, playing cards, reminiscing about the old days, and motivating her to do her exercises to maintain her strength so she could be with us at home. Thank you Joyce – we love you for all of that and so much more.

Dr. Richard Rasper, Mom’s Podiatrist and wound doctor. When Mom developed foot wounds due to Peripheral Vascular Disease his weekly treatments and loving care and support saved her foot from amputation. We do not think she would have been with us the last couple of years had he not saved her foot.

Tori, Eva and Chris – three angels who took care of mom on a daily basis when she got to a point that she needed more assistance than we could provide in order to stay home. You did so much more than help her get up, get dressed, and be safe. You provided love and companionship to her, and helped keep her home. She would not have been at home with us as long had it not been for you. We love you dearly for that.

The staff at The Renaissance of Richfield/Bath. You provided comfort, care and love to her when she came to stay there in June of 2020. We want to especially thank two individuals who touched Mom’s heart and our own with their love and kindness. Kennedy – we heard about you on the phone with Mom on a nearly daily basis. She spoke of you so often, and when we met you and saw your interactions with her, we could see why. Doniqua – watching you lovingly take care of Mom in her final days and hours truly touched our hearts. You care for so many people in your line of work – it was clear that Mom was special to you, and we appreciate that so much. You two are additional angels that surrounded her with love. We will never forget you for that.

The staff of the Cleveland Clinic Hospice. From the Home Based Team – Nurses Kimberly and Shelly, as well as the Manager Jennifer who provided such wonderful care, and helped us get mom moved in the middle of the night to the Hospice Center in 3 hours. Also to the entire staff at the Hospice Center on Ridgewood Road. Your compassion in keeping her comfortable in her final days and hours, and the care and support you provided to us in that time helped more than we can express.

The staff at Mira Salon in Fairlawn. Mom’s weekly Saturday appointments with you were the highlight of her week while she was with us at home. Thank you Polly for giving her the “Triple P” – The “Perfect Polly Poof” hairdo which she loved and took pride in. Dawn for giving her great head massages while washing her hair, and always making sure she was comfortable. Danielle, for the love you provided while keeping her nails perfect. And Karen, for subbing for Polly when she was off, and for always having candy and a kind word to lift mom’s spirits.

The staff of Rays’ Place in Fairlawn. An amazing team, too many to mention by name. But you know who you are. Each Saturday after her hair appointment there was lunch at Ray’s. Each of you took such good care of mom, and always made her feel special. Knowing her order as well as we did – you knew the things she was particular about, and always made sure she got what she wanted. Bringing her the stacks of extra napkins she would ask for as we ordered, and the multiple hand wipes she would ask for after (and then stash in Nancy’s purse so she could take them home). You provided so much more than food and service. You truly cared about her, made her weekly meal out special, and made her, and us feel like part of the Ray’s Place family. Her picture here was taken at one of those Saturday lunches. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

We know there are many more people who loved mom and made a difference in her life. We appreciate you all.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to One Of A Kind Pets in Akron, or Cleveland Clinic Hospice Center on Ridgewood Road in Fairlawn.

A private service will be held Monday April 5, 2021 at 11:00 AM. The family asks that you join them on the Billow Funeral Home Facebook page located at https://www.facebook.com/BillowFuneralHomes / She will be buried at Greenlawn Cemetery in Akron, Ohio.