Search Results

MURTLAND -- Helen Murtland, 84, passed away in Albuquerque, NM on November 12, 2003. Helen Cochran Smillie was born August 20, 1919 in Erie, PA to John and Elizabeth Smillie. She was a graduate of Mercyhurst Seminary and attended Mercyhurst College. In June 1942 Helen traveled to Tacoma, WA and married former Erie resident Hal D. Murtland, a United States Navy Lieutenant. Helen continued to live in Tacoma until January 2000 when she moved to an Albuquerque retirement home. Helen and Hal (a former Tacoma attorney, city councilman, and district court judge) were active in numerous civic and cultural organizations. She worked in the foreign language department at the University of Puget Sound and enjoyed being an advisor to Arab students. Helen received her greatest pleasure from traveling the world with her husband and learning the culture of their interesting destinations - India, Bali, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Bhutan and many others. But she also enjoyed boating, camping, the ocean and Mt. Rainier. Artistic and creative, Helen never met a dining room table she couldn't beautifully decorate, and she was always "brightening up" something with a coat of paint. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Hal, in 1998. She is survived by her four daughters, Dale Ann McClaskey (Dan), Lorrie Ericksen, Halle Bailey, and Dior Hill (Greg), eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Helen had wanderlust in her heart and has now taken her final journey. There will be no service at her request. The family asks that any gift or donation be made to the charity of your choice in Helen's name. Sunrise Funeral Options 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010
        Published on: Sun November 23, 2003