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.
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.
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.