Rochelle A. Murray — December 14, 1936 – July 31, 2022

We are heartbroken to announce that our dear friend, Board Emeritus member, and lifelong champion of children’s literacy Rochelle Murray passed away on Sunday, July 31 in her home.

**UPDATE: MWC will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Rochelle Murray on Wednesday, September 14, 4-6pm**

We invite you to come, share, and listen to memories of Rochelle. Refreshments will be served. Rochelle loved parties. Please assist by notifying others who would like to share in celebrating a life well lived!

RSVP not required but appreciated: Susan Collins, ponysue@sbcglobal.net

Rochelle Murray with Dick Stahl (center) and Ben Miller (right) at the Figge Art Museum during the 2019 David R. Collins Writers’ Conference

Rochelle served the community her entire life: as a children’s librarian at the Davenport Public Library for 45 years (its children’s library now known as the Rochelle A. Murray Children’s Center), as a radio host, and as a founder and director of the Children’s Literature Festival with her close friend David R. Collins.

Several founding members for the MWC Legacy Society (clockwise from back right): Salvatore Marici, Rochelle Murray, Susan Collins, Tom McKay

Rochelle was on the founding Board of Directors of the Midwest Writing Center, and throughout our 40-plus years in operation, no one has done more to contribute to the development, growth, and success of MWC. She volunteered countless hours for the many organizations and causes she supported, and touched hundreds of thousands of lives with her kindness, generosity, enthusiasm, and love for the written word.

She was truly one of a kind, and she will be deeply missed. Our condolences and love go out to all her friends and family.

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Donations in memory of Rochelle A. Murray. All donations support youth writing programs and operations.
Thank you – MWC