The Loyola community is saddened by the loss of Kelly Murray, Ph.D., associate professor of pastoral counseling, and her 7-year-old daughter, Sloane, who died tragically in an automobile accident on June 26. Murray is survived by her husband, Sean, and their five other daughters, Jillian, Meghan, Maeve, Catherine Quinn and Kieran. She is also survived by her parents, James and JoAnn Welter of Exeter, Calif., and sister, Tammy Tuttle of Powell Butte, Ore.

“Besides being a loving wife and mother of six beautiful daughters, Kelly was an outstanding teacher, an accomplished scholar and an innovative psychologist," said Kevin Gillespie, S.J., chair of Loyola's pastoral counseling program. "How she was able to do so much for so many people in a very competent way often baffled those of us who collaborated with her.  Kelly set high standards for herself. Her energy was contagious and I know she made her students and her colleagues better. It is a profound loss for all who knew her and were recipients of her life, laughter and love."

A licensed clinical psychologist, Murray’s treatment and research interests were in the area of women’s health and trauma. She served as a Navy Psychologist for seven years, and was on staff at both the National Naval Medical Center and the United States Naval Academy.

Murray began teaching at Loyola in fall 2001. Most recently, she also served as a co-director of Loyola’s Certificate in Spirituality and Trauma program.

“Dr. Kelly Murray was a remarkable member of the Loyola College in Maryland family—a dedicated teacher, a valued colleague and a true leader in a field, pastoral counseling, that is essential to Loyola’s mission,” said Loyola President Brian F. Linnane, S.J. “We grieve for our lost friend and her young daughter, and the thoughts and prayers of our entire community are with her husband Sean and their other children as they face this devastating tragedy.”

Murray is also the founder of GirlsUP, an organization that seeks to “provide an opportunity to improve a girl’s sense of self and collective spirit to meet life’s challenges confidently.” She earned her Ph.D. and M.A. from California School of Professional Psychology and her bachelor’s from Occidental College, also in California.

Services, to be held at The Shrine of The Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 3630 Quesada Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20015, are as follows. All are welcome to attend.

• Prayer Service:
  Monday, June 29, at 7 p.m.
   
• Viewing:
  Tuesday, June 30, from 3 - 5 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m.
   
• Mass of the Resurrection:
  Wednesday, July 1, at 10 a.m. 

Those wishing to share their memories of Kelly are invited to do so here.