Maureen Murray-Adamson

Maureen Murray Adamson of Walpole, Mass., passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 20, 2025. She was 71.

At the time of her death, she was spending time in Huddleston, Va., enjoying the gorgeous views of Smith Mountain Lake, where she summered annually with her husband Richard “Dick” Adamson.

In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by four siblings, F. Jay Murray (Kathy) of San Jose, Calif.; Janis (Rick) Sorenson of Colorado Springs, Colo; Mark Murray (Anne) of Walpole, Mass.; and Patricia Granzier (Mark) of Scarborough, Maine. She is also survived by nine nieces and nephews, Bryan Murray of San Jose, Calif.; Chris Murray (Nicole) of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Erik Asp (Annabel) of Denver, Colo.; Jason Asp (Deona) of Denver, Colo.; Michelle Murray of Walpole, Mass.; Abigail Murray of Walpole, Mass.; Katherine Granzier (Nathaniel) of Quincy, Mass.; Michael Granzier (Emma) of Portland, Maine; and Andrew Granzier of South Boston, Mass.: two great nieces and six great nephews: two stepdaughters, Kristin Adamson of Germantown, Md., and Kara (Brian) Johnson of Wilmington, N.C. She is also survived by three step grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, the late F. Joseph and Maryanne (Lamb) Murray.

Maureen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she spent her formative years before moving to Allendale, N.J., as a young teen. She later moved with her family to Fairfield County, Conn. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from Boston College in 1975, her master’s degree in education from Cambridge College in Cambridge, Mass., and additional professional certifications from Bridgewater State College and Fairfield University. She received her doctoral degree (Ed.D) in Leadership in Schooling from University of Massachusetts, Lowell in 2010.

Dr. Murray Adamson’s 40-year-career in education culminated with her serving as the Superintendent of Braintree Public Schools from 2013-2015. Prior to that, she was the Assistant Superintendent of Braintree Public Schools, beginning in 2007. She previously served as Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Grants for the Walpole Public Schools. Her rise to school administration capped off a lifetime of being a dedicated teacher. She taught special education at Brockton High School from 1979-1991. During the 1990s and early 2000s, she spearheaded several programs designed to prepare students to transition from high school to the workforce. She also conducted research for The Lab at Brown University on higher education, welfare to work, school to work and literacy issues.

Above all, Maureen had devout and unwavering faith. She was devoted to her family and friends. She dedicated her life to helping others, particularly young people. At her core, she was a giver. She had a brilliant mind but was humble. According to colleagues and her teacher friends, she had an instinct for knowing how best to make a positive impact.

Maureen will be sadly missed and fondly remembered for her amazing generosity, her legendary sense of humor and her warm and gracious hospitality. She enjoyed family gatherings immensely and raised holiday celebrations to an art form, especially Christmas, for which she organized an annual cookie bake-off for her New England nieces and nephews. The tradition began in 1997, when her oldest niece was 2 years old. It continued every year until the youngest nephew and niece were 23. Maureen was a great cook and insisted on donning the green and making a huge Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner every St. Patrick’s Day. She hosted rollicking Egg Hunts for the “kids” at Easter. She was an avid reader, an enthusiastic traveler, and a lover of music and musical theater. She had a close circle of lifelong friends. Together they enjoyed dinner gatherings, outings, book club, Red Sox games and fun travels.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Maureen’s visitation on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole, Massachusetts.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 12:00 noon in Saint Timothy’s Church, 650 Nichols Street, Norwood, Massachusetts. Interment will take place privately at the request of Maureen’s family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Dr. Maureen Murray Adamson Scholarship Fund.” The scholarship will benefit students pursuing a degree in education or need-based pupils. Donations should be made out to the Braintree Public Schools and mailed to: Braintree Public Schools, c/o the Central Office, 348 Pond Street, Braintree MA 02184. Kindly note Maureen’s name in the memo line and or send a note with the donation.