Kathleen Anne Murray, D.V.M.

Kathleen A. Murray, D.V.M. of Onset and Newburyport, MA passed away on July 20,2023 at Cape Cod Hospital after a brief illness.

Kathy graduated from West Bridgewater High School, Class of 1973. She then went on to the University of Rochester where she graduated Summa cum laude.

She went on to study veterinary medicine at Purdue University, where she received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She did her post doctorate work at Penn State Milton Hersey Medical Center and Tulane University.

In 1988, after working for Merck Research Laboratories she joined Charles River Laboratories in Wilmington, MA as a Laboratory Animal Veterinarian and Scientific Director and very quickly advanced with positions of increasing responsibility, becoming a recognized leader in research and pharmaceutical drug discovery and development. Kathy was a cherished friend, colleague and mentor to many there. Kathy spent the past 12 years as Executive Director of Global Preclinical Laboratory Animal Medicine.  She continued to provide support to Charles River mission beyond her retirement in June 2022.

Kathy began her affection for animals of all types at an early age, beginning with her donkey Kennedy in the 1960’s and many other ponies, horses, dogs, etc. to follow.  She was active in 4-H and an accomplished equestrian, riding her beloved Golden Boy in many local competitions. Kathy worked at Brockton Animal Hospital through high school and college summers.

Kathy was also well known for making the perfect margarita.

Kathy is survived by her mother, Marie C Murray of Onset, her sister Darcy Beals and husband Bill of Bridgewater, and her brother William Murray and wife Elaine of Plymouth.

She is also survived by her nieces, Katie Kessel and husband Gary of Easton and Kelly Murray of Plymouth and NYC and many cousins.

She was predeceased by her father William J. Murray, her twin brother Kevin Murray and nephew Timothy W. Beals.

Services and burial are private but there will be a celebration of her life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations in her memory can be made to the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, mrfrs.org

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