Isa Maria Drummond Simões Murray
Isa Murray
Isa Maria Drummond Simões Murray passed away March 3, 2025 in Bellevue, Washington after a long battle with lung cancer. She was 78 years old.
A lifelong learner, Isa had many adventures. Born in Salvador, Brazil on May 14, 1946, she left her hometown as a young woman to study comparative literature in Lisbon, Portugal, then to teach for several years at the federal university in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. There she met the lover of her life and fellow adventurer John Richard Murray.
Isa rejoined John in the United States after securing a scholarship for a doctoral degree in comparative literature at Penn State. She completed all but her dissertation there before her work was interrupted by the birth of their daughter, Sandra.
Eventually, John and Isa settled in Massachusetts where Isa taught English as a second language and worked at the Abington Public Library where she freely shared her love of books with co-workers and patrons. Although an avid reader, enthusiastic walker, and flower grower, Isa’s greatest joy was the love and care of her family.
In her last chapter, Isa and John moved to Bellevue, Washington where Isa enjoyed being close to family, gardening, and volunteering.
Isa is survived by her husband John, daughter Sandra and her husband Ian, stepson Paul and his wife Amy, stepson Jason and his wife Yin Cheung, grandchildren Rachel, Elijah, Alysa, Samuel, Octavia, Preston, and Alex, brother Marcelo, sister Diana, and many beloved cousins, nephews, and nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents Helio and Maria Augusta.
A Celebration of Life for Isa will be held Saturday March 22, 2025 at 2pm at Glen Hall in Silver Glen located at 1750 152nd Ave NE, Bellevue, WA. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Isa’s memory to the Friends of the Abington Public Library in Massachusetts or to the ACLU.
3 Responses to “Isa Maria Drummond Simões Murray”
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Her lifestory always intrigued and inspired me. I was just a little child when she travelled to Brazil to pass vacation. I payed attention to her stories and was fascinated she could speak English very well. All my love to my American relatives.
Querida Isa,
It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who has been such a big part of my life. When I came to the U.S. in 1989, not speaking a word of English, you weren’t just my teacher—you were my friend, my support, and my guide. You saw my kids grow up, and through all these years, your kindness and wisdom have stayed with me.
Every time I speak English, I still think about what you would say about my mistakes—and it always makes me smile! You will always be a part of my life, not just as my teacher but as someone who helped shape the person I am today. Thank you for everything.
With love and gratitude,
Mari
Isa was a beautiful person, full of life and love to the end. Since their move to Washington, my husband and I were able to spend more time with Jack and Isa and Sandra and her family. We treasured every visit. She was always welcoming and had stories to share. We knew we would not see her again in this world on our last visit, but she woke up enough to let us tell her we loved her and she said “I love you” and that was a gift. We will miss you Aunt Isa! with love,
Al and Gina