Helen I. Murray, 68, a longtime school bus driver who served as a mother figure to the thousands of children she transported to school over the years, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, after a long illness in Vencor Hospital in Sycamore. The Times Beach, Mo., native moved to the Chicago area in the early 1950s and soon after met and married her husband, John. They were unable to have children and adopted three girls because of their deep desire to have a family. After adopting their first daughter in 1961, the couple settled in Palos Hills and Mrs. Murray took a job as a school bus driver. Throughout her more than 30-year career, Mrs. Murray worked for various school districts on the Southwest Side. She took pleasure in her work because it allowed her to spend time at home with her daughters and also spend time with many other children as well. “She really enjoyed meeting all these new people and watching all these kids grow up,” said her daughter Sara A. Murray-Wullenwaber. “She loved kids–the kids on the school bus called her grandma or mom.” Outside her job, Mrs. Murray devoted much of her time to leading Girl Scouts and being active with her church. “Her door was always open for a cup of tea if anyone dropped by,” said Theresa Szablewski, a longtime friend. “She was always ready with a hug.” In addition to her husband and daughter, Mrs. Murray is survived by two other daughters, Lara L. Cardona and Cara E.T. Murray; a sister, Leona Betz; and three grandchildren. Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday in Westwood Memorial Chapel, 3201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Mass will be said at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills.
