Corinne Bernadette Murch

Corinne (McGoran) Murch was born in Portland, Oregon July 1st, 1943. She was always proud of the fact that she was a native Oregonian. She was raised by a single mother and was the youngest child with two older sisters, Elaine and Pat. Corinne went to Marycrest High School in Portland. She went on to spend a year at the University of Portland before transferring to Oregon State from where she graduated in 1965 with a sociology degree. It was at OSU that she met Bob during her Sophomore year. They were married in 1967 and had their only daughter, Elise, in 1970. Corinne had a long career in social services beginning with work for Multnomah and then Clackamas County. She went back to get her Masters of Social Work at Portland State University in 1984 and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She took night classes over three years while working full time, caring for her mother, and raising her daughter. She went on to become the Social Services Director at Willamette Falls Hospital where she worked for 22 years before retiring in 2006. She ran support groups and was involved in advocacy and guardianship programs for vulnerable seniors to connect to resources, stable housing, medical care and protection from exploitation. Corinne was a dedicated to the people she served to achieve their best quality of life, and her work ethic set an example for others. Corinne lived a full life. She enjoyed traveling locally and also made several trips to Europe. She especially loved visiting Sunriver where her sister Elaine’s family lived for many years. That became a great place for family to gather over the years, and she enjoyed the climate for biking and playing tennis. She and Bob were members of the Eastmoreland Racquet Club where they played tennis regularly and made close friends. Corinne and Bob even won a mixed doubles tennis tournament together. She was also an avid hiker and kayaker throughout the Pacific Northwest with her favorite place being the waters around Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She was a lover of the arts and had season tickets to Portland Center Stage which she often gifted to close friends for a fun night out. She and Bob joined the Willamette Valley Country Club during their retirement years and enjoyed golfing and festivities there. The grandkids, Evan and Alyson, loved to go there when they were young for Easter, Christmas, and OSU/UO Civil War parties (go Beavers!). Corinne lived a life of conviction and integrity. She was passionate about serving others and had a strong commitment to causes close to her heart. She was a proud democrat and canvassed for Obama’s first and second term. She also had a balanced life enjoying the outdoors, gardening and cooking. She was a fighter for social justice and the environment. She reused and recycled everything, before environmental causes were even popular. She was most relaxed with a book and glass of wine, a golf club, or hiking in nature with Bob and her dog. Corinne was married to Bob for 56 years and had a most adventuresome life together. She is survived by her spouse, Bob Murch, her daughter Elise Gassman, son-in-law David Gassman, and 2 grandkids: Evan and Alyson. She passed away April 5, 2023 with her husband and daughter by her side. She lived a of purpose, fun, and love of friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in Corinne’s name by clicking this link: https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=51079&51079.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google_SL&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0tKiBhC6ARIsAAOXutkgDAuyYcJnjgeuZfpaaODxltWnfYd4fpSD579JZDWghKyvvXYVPRYaApBSEALw_wcB

Corinne Bernadette Murch

July 1, 1943 - April 5, 2023