Florence Mulray

Florence Mulray, 76, formerly of Phillipsburg, NJ, went home to heaven on April 23, 2015. She passed away in Ocean Medical Center in Brick, NJ.

Born June 9, 1938 in Trenton, NJ, she spent her early years at the former North Jersey Developmental Center in Totowa, NJ.

In 1985, Florence became a beloved member of Blessed Hope Church of the Nazarene in Phillipsburg, NJ and, for thirty years there, endeavored to encourage others. Through the Alternatives Inc. program, Florence, at age 51, achieved her long-awaited goal of independent living and was so very proud to move into her own apartment in Phillipsburg, NJ. She was a fierce self-advocate, unafraid to speak her mind and protect her human rights. She took pride in becoming her own guardian and controlling her destiny.

Florence had many friends through her church, her community and Alternatives.

She won many awards. In 2006 she received Alternative’s Community Living Award presented by her staff and peers who recognized the level of independence she achieved. She loved attending their recreation events to dance, to socialize and to eat at Key City Diner with her friends.

She was most proud of the volunteer work and fundraising she did for her church. From 2003 to 2008 Florence proudly donned the Caravan Scouting uniform to assist the church scouts each Wednesday. At Christmas she joined the scout sing-a-long at the Lopatcong Care Center. She performed solos of her favorite hymns, “Oh How I Love Jesus”, “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord” and “Jesus Loves Me” at all the church banquets. Florence loved to celebrate, bestowing a homemade cake to unsuspecting kids and adults on their birthday. For many years she manned the Duck Pond at the church’s annual carnival and flea market, enjoyed church-lady field trips and shared her wisdom during church gatherings. In 2008 she celebrated her 70th birthday with a big surprise party in the church kitchen. In 2011 she gleefully rode the church bus in Phillipsburg’s 150th Anniversary parade. She achieved her goal of becoming the church’s “top seller” for their yearly Gertrude Hawk candy sales. In 2010 Florence received the Special Angel award for becoming the highest single fundraiser in Blessed Hope history, earning over $11,500 over the course of 25 years.

Florence loved to travel every summer to North Carolina to visit her friends, the Geiger’s, who were like family to her. She often showed pictures of the weddings and new grandchildren as they came along.

She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed. Her warm smile, her bright blue eyes and her independent spirit live on in our hearts.

Family & friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service, 11:00 a.m., Sunday, May 17, 2015 at the Blessed Hope Church of the Nazarene, 42 Mercer Street, Phillipsburg, NJ  08865. Tel: 908.454.5070. The Rev. Allen E. Schaarschmidt will officiate.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Florence Mulray Memorial Fund c/o Blessed Hope Church.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home, 289 South Main Street, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865. www.noto-wynkoop.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.