Alex Murray wants his wife to be remembered by all those who loved her -- past and present.
Betty-Marie Murray, better known as Bunny Murray or Mrs. M, died July 17, 2011 after a long battle with cancer.
Murray was a poet, ballet instructor, musical theatre coach, character development analyst, director, beloved mother and wife who spent decades in Prince George volunteering her time to further performers in the arts.
The Celebration of Life memorial to honour Mrs. M will be held Wednesday at the Prince George Playhouse at 7 p.m.
"It's really important for my dad to connect with people who have been involved over the last 32 years with all that my mother has done in the community," said daughter Judy Russell of Enchainement Dance Centre. "People involved with shows way back, whether they were audience members or somebody that may have made costumes -- anyone who has been touched by her or worked with her is invited to attend and take a moment to reflect."
The celebration will include a variety show, with song, stories and dance, as well as photos featuring Murray's time here. In tribute of this special occasion Randy Murray, Alex and Bunny's son, and Bill Russell, son-in-law, will share the duties of master of ceremony. There will be a reception afterwards.
A project very close to Mrs. M's heart was the Performers North Assistance Fund, supplying financial support to young performers who do not have the resources to pursue performing arts training. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to this worthwhile cause.
"There is a committee that reviews candidates who apply for assistance and they make sure the appropriate people are getting the funding they need," said Russell. "This funding is not necessarily based on talent. It's based on their desire because mom was all about passion and desire. Talent was secondary in that equation. That's what the fund meant to her -- those young people who had a passion and desire and were unable to continue to develop their abilities through education or performance experiences because of finances, those young people get to take a workshop or travel to perform."
So far $2,000 has been raised and donations are welcome at the dance studio, 3540 Opie Crescent, or e-mail info@judyrussellpresents.com.
