Elaine Ann (Forgette) Murray

Elaine Ann Forgette Murray of Cumming, GA passed away peacefully Feb. 25, 2021. She would have been 94 years old on her favorite holiday to dance and sing: St. Patrick's Day, March 17. Throughout her life, she will be remembered for always smiling, making jokes and trying to lend a helping hand.

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, great aunt and friend, she is proceeded in life by her beloved husband, Alfred John, her parents, Ray and Mable Forgette and big brother, Richard Forgette (Margee). She lived most of her life in Mt. Lebanon, a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA. yet for the past nine years resided in Johns Creek, GA and most recently, Cumming, GA.

She is survived by her four loving children, their spouses, 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren and a plethora of lifelong friends as well as new ones she seemed to be able to acquire almost on a daily basis.

Her family includes: Ann Dixon, (Jerry), of Pittsburgh, PA.; Patricia Solomon (Michael), of Cumming, GA; John Murray (Laura) of Bear, DE; and Michael Murray (Michelle Turbert) of Boise, ID.

Her beloved grandchildren: Sarah Solomon Johnson, (Jared), Jessica Solomon, Emma Murray Gariglio (Frank), Colin Turbert, Kayla Dixon Dodd (Zack), Megan Murray, Caitlin Solomon Layfield, (Addison) Sean Murray and Christopher Dixon.

Her precious great grandchildren: Peyton, Rylee, Reagan and Connor Dodd; Lena and Frankie Gariglio; Gavin, Teagan and Finley Johnson; and Grayson and Aubrey Layfield.

She also was so proud of her loving step grandchildren and great grandchildren: Heather Dixon Roc (Bill) and daughter, Charlotte and Jonathon Dixon (Summer) and sons, Noah and Avery.

Elaine was born in Auburn, NY and lived her early years in Schenectady NY until her family moved in 1936 to Mt. Lebanon, a suburb of Pittsburgh. She attended St. Bernard's Catholic Grade School, Mt. Lebanon High School and Mercyhurst Catholic Girl College in Erie, Pa. She was a devout Catholic throughout her life.

She met the love of her life, Alfred John (AJ) Murray on a blind date and married him February, 11, 1950. Elaine was an active member and volunteer of St. Thomas More Parish in Bethel Park for most of her adult life including many hours serving the Catholic grade school.

She dearly loved her neighbors and bridge partners in Highland Terrace subdivision where her family lived for 20 years before she and Al moved to the Bower Hill Condominiums. After Al passed away in December, 1984 she moved to Hampshire House on Mt. Lebanon Blvd. where she took great joy in trips and activities with her many friends and the Hill Toppers Club.

She remained a widow the rest of her life always saying Al was her one great love. Also, she would quip, "I'm not sharing my grandchildren with anyone!"

Elaine was a stay-at-home mom most of her life but decided to go to work part time in her 50s. She landed a job in downtown, Pittsburgh at Saks Fifth Avenue selling jewelry which she loved! Her favorite story was waiting on golfer Arnold Palmer.

She traveled during her senior years to England, Spain and Ireland and with friends to Alaska, Las Vegas and many other adventures. She was an avid Steeler fan and swung her "terrible towel" in front of the television. She was a devoted grandmother traveling to three different states to spend time with the seven grandchildren who didn't live in Pittsburgh.

She moved to Johns Creek to live with her daughter's family nine years ago and four years later moved to Ashwood Meadows Independent Living in Johns Creek, GA where she had many friends and was known for her dancing skills especially the jitterbug. Elaine moved to Phoenix at James Creek in August where she again captured the hearts of both residents and her loving staff. Until the past week, she was able to play a mean game of gin rummy! We are so thankful for the the loving care of the staff at Phoenix at James Creek in Cumming, GA. and Golden Rules Hospice Care.

In lieu of flowers, we ask for a donation to InCommunity at https://www.incommunityga.org/ in honor of her granddaughter Jessica Lauren Solomon or pay forward a good deed with a smile.