Nancy Grace Hilchen Murray passed away peacefully in her home in Vero Beach, FL, on December 30, 2024. She is survived and deeply missed by her sons, Robert Murray IV and Steven Murray (Lauren), as well as her beloved companion of 25 years, Dale Warrington.
Nancy was born on June 19, 1953, in Mineola, NY, to Walter and Helen Hilchen and was raised in Port Washington, Long Island. She cherished her childhood by the Long Island Sound, spending time with her best friend, Gail Larsen, and her brothers, Steven and Peter Hilchen, whom she loved dearly.
Nancy graduated from Roanoke College with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, where she cultivated a lifelong love of critical thinking, ethics, and exploring life’s deepest questions. Her intellectual curiosity extended to her love of reading, especially classic and thought-provoking works such as J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and Frank Herbert’s Dune series. These novels reflected her appreciation for epic stories, complex worlds, and the exploration of human nature. Her education and literary passions not only reflected her deep thirst for knowledge but also inspired those around her to think deeply and embrace imagination and wonder.
Nancy was a devoted mother who always put her sons first, instilling in them her strong values of honesty, integrity, and compassion. She shared her passions with those around her, which included a love of horses, classic cars, and attending car shows. She was especially proud to be one of the founding members of the Indian River Corvette Club. She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, such as working on puzzles, caring for her cats, and being near the ocean. Nancy had a special connection with animals and a remarkable ability to nurture and care for them.
Nancy’s patience, kindness, and unwavering sense of responsibility touched everyone she met. She was a caretaker to many family members over the years, ensuring they lived their lives with comfort and dignity. Her resilience and strength in the face of challenges were a testament to her character, and she left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Her family held a small private memorial off the coast of Vero Beach in early January to honor her life and memory. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Vero Beach Humane Society or the VNA of Vero Beach in Nancy’s memory. Her family finds comfort knowing she is now at peace, surrounded by the beauty of the ocean she loved so dearly.