Alberta Mae (Carpenter) Murn

Alberta Mae Murn

         Salem, NY - Born Alberta Mae Carpenter in the Binghamton region of New York State (Broome County) on August 21, 1937.  She passed away a year ago on April 13, 2025 (Palm Sunday) in Glens Falls Hospital.  The first half of her life was spent in the region of her birth where she lived through a difficult childhood and adolescence.  In young adulthood she was employed by savings banks in the Binghamton area.  While so employed, she raised two children from a first marriage, Mark Little and Laurie Little.  It was also here that she met and married her second husband, in 1980, Presbyterian Minister Rev. Charles Murn.  Alberta and Charlie relocated when he was called to serve the First United Presbyterian Church in Salem in the early 1990’s.  Throughout her adult life, Alberta (and Charlie) was enamored by rustic objects with some age and wear on them.  Their home was filled serendipitously with such objects (and rescued wolfhounds).  In Salem, Alberta continued her prior association with banking when hired by the Evergreen Bank (and successors).  She helped open many an account before she retired. She also carried off the role of minister’s wife with a sense of humble service – never conspicuous but always present and supportive.  She was a skilled decorative painter and helped to decorate for the church’s various events with style and taste.  When Charlie retired in 2005, she continued as an active deacon and church member.  Despite lifelong health problems of her own she nurtured him in his failing years till his passing in 2014. The last decade of her life was plagued with her own increasing medical problems and the developing needs of her daughter.  Through it all she remained a devoted church member, an exemplary Christian, serving God by serving others. Her quiet loving smile is missed.

She is survived by her children, Mark Little and Laurie Little; step-sons, Andrew Murn and Scott Murn and several siblings and half-siblings.

A memorial service for Alberta is planned for Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 3:00 pm at the First United Presbyterian Church, 13 West Broadway, Salem, New York.  A reception will be in the Mackenzie Chapel following the service.  The service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/FUPCSalemNY

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