Shirley Erena Murray, the great writer of convicting hymn texts of social justice died recently. Known worldwide for such texts as “A Place at the Table” and “Star Child”, her song “Touch the Earth Lightly” is in CWB II. You might also know “When Human Voices Cannot Sing”, which is in Gather Australia.
I pass on some of the e-mail from her family.
Tena koutou
It is with much sadness that we note the passing of Shirley.
She died on Saturday afternoon New Zealand time, peacefully at Paraparaumu.
Mum had been in declining health for some months, and was accepting of the last passage of her life, so it was both a relief for her and the family, despite the obvious sadness.
Funeral arrangements – Friday 31 January, 11:00 am at Kapiti Uniting Church, 10 Weka Road, Raumati Beach.
We send aroha (love) to all her friends, relatives, and those in the music community.
David, Alastair and Rob
There are further details here.
She had a unique gift that will be greatly missed.