Eunice Tirado Murray's Obituary
Eunice Tirado (also known as Eunice Tirado Murray) left this world for the next on Wednesday evening, September 13, 2023, at the age of 89. She was born August 26, 1934 in El Carmen, a small town near Medellin, Colombia, the youngest of twelve children of Ernesto Tirado and Rosa Elvira Tirado Velasquez. Hers was a strong, dynamic family that included a lawyer, priest, businessmen/entrepreneurs, and talented seamstresses, cooks and artists.
While still in her early twenties—eager to learn English and see the United States—Eunice visited Seattle, Washington where she met her husband and soon started her own family. She always loved children and took special joy in raising her three daughters; she reveled in celebrating their birthdays (there was always a piñata) and major holidays.
Wider horizons beckoned when, in 1980, Eunice parted ways with her husband—a turning point in her life that opened the door to a richer, more independent existence whose struggles bore fruit in new triumphs and accomplishments. These included a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration (New Mexico State University, 1986) completed while her youngest daughter was still in college and a Master’s in Education (George Mason University, 1995) specializing in Early Childhood Education and English as a Second Language. She applied her knowledge of these specialties and passion for education to public school systems in Fairfax County, VA; Albuquerque, NM; and Escondido, CA.
Eunice taught in the Escondido Union School District from the late-1990s, teaching primary school students (mainly 1st -3rd grade) at Lincoln, Rock Springs and Central Schools, among others. She doted on her young students, many of whom were children of Mexican immigrants. She also had a special understanding of them, having been an immigrant herself, and was keen to see them develop their capacities and appreciate their own native languages and cultures; she wished to prepare them for the world they would soon grow up in.
After her retirement in 2010—and after recovering from spinal surgery that same year— she continued to be active as a substitute teacher.
Eunice loved to travel and fondly remembered the many countries she had visited in her life. She developed a special love for California, especially its coastline and beaches. She also had a lively interest in world affairs, keeping up with international news and reading new books regularly. She delighted in gardening, watching the occasional Spanish language “telenovela,” and listening to romantic old Colombian ballads.
In her final years Eunice found solace in her garden with its many flowers, fruit trees, and visiting birds; in trips to the beach; and in the company of her daughters as well as telephone conversations with close friends and relatives. She cherished the friendship, love and faithful companionship of her daughter Elizabeth, her longtime primary caregiver; and the unfailing kindness and dedication of Alejandra, her home health aide.
Eunice is survived by her three beloved daughters: Pamela Suzanne Murray of Birmingham, AL; Elizabeth Ann Murray of Poulsbo, WA; and Pilar Luisa Murray of Albuquerque, NM. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, both in the US and Colombia, who miss her loving presence.
Arrangements are with Alhiser-Comer Funeral Home of Escondido, CA. A Memorial Service is being planned; for more information, please contact Elizabeth Murray at (760) 480-4579. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation in her name to one of her favorite charities, the Berkeley-based Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA), https://www.mecaforpeace.org/
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