Members of the Aberdeen & North-East Scotland Family History Society, both locally and farther afield, will be saddened to learn of the sudden death, on Friday 28th October 2011, of Violet Murray, one of the Society's best known helpers. For many years, until quite recently, Violet could always be found six days a week behind the counter of the research centre in King Street or bending over a film reader helping a researcher trace his or her family history. Her knowledge was second to none and she was always willing to share her expertise. She was never as happy as when faced with a thorny problem and would consult various sources with incredible patience until she had satisfied herself that she had found the "right" family. Her helpfulness was greatly appreciated by all who came into contact with her. One of our members, on a visit to the York Family History Society, mentioned that she was a member of the Aberdeen Society, only to hear a voice from the corner ask, "How's Violet?" She was always willing to "go the extra mile" even if it meant working on in the shop long after closing time!
She joined the Society in 1987 and quickly became an invaluable member of the shop staff. She took on the responsibility of opening the centre every day and ensuring that everything was running smoothly for visitors and other helpers. She was meticulous in dealing with the till and making sure that the "books balanced" at the end of the day. She also acted as secretary for arranging talks from visiting speakers at our monthly meetings.
Violet was a very private and highly independent person right to the end. It was difficult to persuade her to accept the offer of a lift home on a cold winter's evening after a committee meeting; and any suggestion that she might like someone else to take over some of her responsibilities would usually meet with a polite but firm refusal. She was also an extremely modest person and rarely talked about the difficulties she had to overcome in order to achieve her ambition of becoming a teacher. In her 30s she attended the then College of Commerce and gained entry qualification for University. She graduated MA in 1968 and went on to gain a BD in 1972. She then taught at Peterhead Academy until she retired. She was immensely proud of being an Aberdonian and took a keen interest in all aspects of north-east life. She was a member and regular attender at Gilcomston South Church and took her turn in helping to clean the church. She attended the Retired Teachers Association meetings and enjoyed meeting former colleagues and friends.
She will be very much missed, and long remembered, by all who knew her.
31st October 2011
