Jane Glenn Hallam Murdoch, passed on peacefully and quietly at home on Pemaquid Lake, surrounded by her loving family and sweet dog Fiona, after a short battle with cancer, on the afternoon of August 29th

Born on August 26, 1933, in Drexel Hill, PA, she was the daughter of Paul and Mary Glenn Hallam. A graduate of Upper Darby High School in Upper Darby, PA, she was an active member of the drama club. Jane attended Kent State University as a drama major for two years. Many years later, she graduated from Simpson College, Summa Cum Laude .

In the intervening years, Jane met her beloved husband, The Rev.William H. Murdoch, Jr. They were married for 64 eventful years. Together they raised their two girls, changed careers, lived in several different states, went across the country on a motorcycle, and at any time they were able could be seen holding hands. Jane worked in various jobs including at a library in West Chester, PA, and for First Step as a compassionate caregiver for infants and toddlers with severe challenges. She was also a Sunday school teacher.

After raising her family, and supporting Bill, Jane finally received her undergraduate degree from Simpson College. She then used her talents to work with developmentally disabled adults for the Easter Seal organization as a job coach.

After vacationing in Maine for years, they finally bought a cottage by the water in 1978 as their permanent home. Jane always wanted to live on a lake, where she could walk and pick wildflowers. She got her wish, and spent many happy years there. Jane held several jobs in Damariscotta over the years, including at the House of Ross and Belknap’s Hardware Store. Jane also volunteered at Miles Memorial Hospital as a greeter and as a cashier in the cafeteria for 15 years.

She has been affiliated with St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Newcastle since 1968. Jane had a faith and spiritual foundation throughout her life, starting at a young age.

Jane was the type of person that people really loved as soon as they met her and spent time with her. Her grace and style were the hallmarks of her personality. Jane welcomed many people to her home, was an immaculate housekeeper, and was known for her chili and apple pie! There was always room for more with food, acceptance and encouragement for all.

Jane began landscape watercolor painting as a hobby, and soon began to show her art locally. Friends and family looked forward to her original Christmas cards every year. She was also a member of, and served as president of, the Pemaquid Group of Artists. Among her other talents, Jane had a beautiful singing voice, and played guitar, recorder, as well as the penny whistle and ukulele.

Jane leaves behind her husband The Rev. William H. Murdoch, Jr.; her daughters, Elizabeth M. James, and Heather Murdoch Curry; Elizabeth's husband, David E. James; Heather's husband, Ray D. Murdoch Curry; her grandchildren, (in age order) Eamon Evan White, Keshia Murdoch White, Robert Murdoch James, and Sarah Jane James; her brother, Harry Hallam and his wife Pat Hallam; her niece, Karen Johnson and husband Steven and daughter Bethany; nephews, Scott Hallam and Robert Hallam; Scott’s wife Rhonda and daughter Brielyn.

A celebration of Jane's life will be held on Saturday, September 9th at 11:00am, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 11 Glidden Street, Newcastle, ME, with a reception to follow in the undercroft. Jane would want those attending to wear cheerful colors, especially any clothing with flower patterns.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ecumenical Food Pantry, PO Box 46, Newcastle, ME 04553, which was a very important charity to Jane.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for her family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.

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