Lorna Winifred Murrell

PORTLAND – Lorna Winifred Murrell, 98, of Portland, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at the Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough.

Lorna, fondly known as “Winnie”, was born Oct. 11, 1927, in Portland, the daughter of Loring and Vivian Pillsbury. Lorna grew up on the family farm in Limington and graduated from Limington Academy as the class valedictorian. She graduated from Nasson College.

Lorna worked for many years as a legal secretary. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Portland, where she taught Sunday school and was a member of Episcopal Church Women.

Lorna was a country girl at heart, a “hoot,” witty and sharp as a tack, and had a heart of gold. She enjoyed knitting, playing Gin Rummy, crossword puzzles, baking molasses cookies and blueberry muffins, and watching “Wheel of Fortune” and “Dancing with the Stars”. She believed it was her honor and privilege to help others whenever she could.

Lorna was predeceased by her husband Walter Frederick Murrell, an attorney and judge; and her brother Arthur Frank Bickford.

Survivors include her two sons, Dr. Walter John Wingate Murrell MD (Mary Jane) of Dallas, Texas, and Dr. Stephen Pillsbury Murrell DDS (Josefina Ilagan) of Surprise, Ariz.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Martha Huff and Jen Grant for their kindness, help, and care of Winnie in her final years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on June 13, 2026, at Dennett, Craig & Pate, 13 Portland Rd, Buxton. She will be buried in the Limington Village Cemetery with her parents and family.

In the words of Winnie, “Bye for now!”