NEW CASTLE, Pennsylvania (MyValleyTributes) – Blanche M. (Schooley) Murdock, 92, formerly a longtime resident of New Castle, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, February 15, 2023, at her home.

Mrs. Murdock was born February 28, 1930, in New Castle, a daughter of the late William P. and Mary M. (Priesel) Schooley.

Her husband of 48 years, Merlin H. Murdock, whom she married February 20, 1952, preceded her in death January 7, 1998.

A homemaker, Blanche dedicated her life to caring for her husband, children and their home. She loved weeding the flower beds and caring for her many household plants.

Blanche was of the Catholic faith.

Her greatest joy in life was having the whole family together.

Blanche is survived by five children, Judy (Doug) Kneuven of Chippewa, Pennsylvania, Rick (Lynn) Murdock of Enon Valley, Terry Murdock of New Castle, Denice Davis of Enon Valley and Kevin (Esther) Murdock also Enon Valley; 19 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Howard (Kathy) Schooley and James (Patty) Schooley and a sister, Mary Schooley.

In addition to her husband and parents, Blanche was preceded in death by her son, Douglas L. Murdock; a grandson, Justin Murdock and six brothers, Gene, Art, Francis, Thomas, Robert and Ernest Schooley.

Calling hours will be 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls Street, New Castle. A funeral service will be held immediately following at 4:00 p.m., in the funeral home, with Rev. Aaron Kriss, officiating.

Entombment will be in Resurrection Mausoleum – St. Mary’s Cemetery, Union Township.

A television tribute will air Friday, February 17 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.