Agnes Murman, of Lakewood, Dies at 89

Agnes Z. Murman (nee Zaytoun), 89, of Lakewood, died Oct. 9.

Born in Kinston, NC, on Jan. 11, 1923, Murman was the beloved wife of the late Charles E.; dear mother of Michael (Drue Koran), Elaine Ferguson and Evelyn Quigley (both deceased), David (Diane Caputo), Ann Marie Grove (Jeff) of Aurora, IN. and Maureen Murman; loving grandmother of Louise Quigley (George Coleman) and Patrick Quigley (Reagan); Charles Ferguson (Kate), Brenda Hasenzahl (David) and Brian Ferguson; Meryl and Eryn Murman; Veronica and Charles Murman; Walter Grove (Alicyn) and Carter Grove; Colleen and Christopher Murrett; Great grandmother of Mary Ellis, Louise and Henry Ferguson; and Elaine Hasenzahl; sister of Joseph Zaytoun (Thelma), Dr. Henry Zaytoun (Martha) and deceased: Evelyn Farris (John), Vivian Salem (Albert) and Constance Lamar (Thomas).

The following tribute was shared with Lakewood Patch by friend Eileen Korey: 

Agnes Zaytoun Murman

Agnes Zaytoun Murman, age 89, was the matriarch of a large family, well known in Lakewood, where she lived for 67 years.  The mother of six, grandmother of 13, great grandmother of 4, she was a devoted member and volunteer at St. Luke’s Church and the Christ Child Society. 

Murman grew up the daughter of Lebanese immigrants in New Bern, North Carolina, where she learned the value of hard work in pursuit of the American dream.  In her memoirs, written in 2010, she recounts how she helped her parents’ family business and the community by doing many jobs--even delivering milk bottles and newspapers.  “Never be embarrassed when doing an honest job,” is the lesson she passed along from her own mother to her children and grandchildren.

She met the love of her life, Coast Guard aviator, Charles (Chuck) Murman, stationed at Cherry Point Marine Air Base near her home in New Bern.  They bonded over music, dancing, Catholicism, and deeply shared family values.  After the war, he brought her back to his hometown of Lakewood, Ohio, where his family owned the popular Murman grocery stores.  Her husband founded the Great Lakes Sales Co.

After raising her own children and caring for others, Murman travelled the world with friends and family.  From Hong Kong to Australia, Rome to South America, her most treasured experiences included personal greetings with Pope John Paul II in Rome, and a return to her family homeland, Lebanon, when its border was opened to American visitors.  With photos and necklace laden with charms from each country, she loved to tell stories of her adventures in foreign lands. 

She never lost her Southern charm or accent. 

The funeral mass will take place at St. Luke Church at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 13.

Calling hours are scheduled at the McGorray-Hanna Funeral Home of Lakewood from 4 to 8 p.m.

Family suggests memorial contributions to Choice Scholarship Fund, St. Mary's School (211 4th St., Aurora, IN. 47001), St. Luke's Church or Maryknoll Fathers.