Bernadette "Bernie" Murdoch

Bernadette Ann (Bernie) (Quigley) Murdoch passed peacefully into the arms of "My Jesus" with her four daughters holding her hands and with other family by her side on July 15, 2023. Bernie was born on September 21, 1934, in Detroit Michigan.

Bernie was a loving wife to Donald M. Murdoch for 49 years before his death in 2003. Bernie and Don spent their early years living in Detroit and Indiana until moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Bernie was primarily a homemaker, enjoying raising their four daughters. In 1976, they found their way to Hastings and enjoyed life on Algonquin Lake.

After moving to Hastings, Bernie ventured out with long-time friend Norma Witker, attending clown school (Bigby the clown) and then together securing jobs in the lunchroom at the Hastings Middle School.  From lunchroom to the office, oh, the friends she made and the stories she could tell! After retiring from HMS she was approached about joining the "Back Door Deli", a new restaurant about to open. Here, too, Bernie made new and long-lived friends and found great stories to share.  In addition to her varied work experiences, Bernie found time for fun. She was a longtime bowler, even bowling a perfect 300 game!  From Bowling to Bridge to Bunco, she enjoyed the games she played, but more importantly loved the friends she made along the way.

Bernie's faith in God grew strong as she learned to depend upon Him more.  She lived out her faith lovingly and generously in various roles alongside her beloved church family at First Presbyterian in Hastings.  At most funerals, she could be found in the kitchen preparing meals and serving grieving families.  She was a participant in Adult Sunday School classes and weekday Bible studies, as well as serving as an Elder and Deacon in the church.

Bernie was preceded in Death by husband Donald M Murdoch; parents, Daniel and Portia (Mitchell) Quigley; siblings: Leona, Jack, Mary, Gerald and Daniel.

She is survived by her brother, Francis (Kathy) Quigley and special Sister-in-law, Janice Quigley- Gorospe.  Also surviving are her four daughters:  Sandy Murdoch, Joni Murdoch, Nancy (David) Allerding; Michelle (John) Donnelly; grandchildren: Joey, Kerri, Jenny, Samantha, Scott, Julie, Becky, Michael, Nicholas and Donald. Bernie would say that she is not only blessed with (4) daughters and many grandchildren, but was privileged to be called Great Gramma. Being a Great, Great Gramma, put her over the top! She will be missed by special nieces, nephews, many friends who loved her and beloved dog Dusty.

Burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery on July 27th, at 3pm. The public is invited to a memorial service held at The First Presbyterian Church, Hastings MI on Friday, July 28th at 11 am.  The family receive visitors beginning at 10:00 AM.

Memorial donations may be made to The First Presbyterian Church, Youth Mission Fund.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.