Obituary of Maya Lilly Murray

Maya Lilly Murray was born on February 1st 2021, at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. On this day, a team of medical professionals assembled and prepared for the worst possible scenario. Prior to Maya’s delivery, we were told that Maya would have to be assessed on whether she’d be a candidate for the NICU because there was a possibility that she could pass away immediately after birth. Thankfully, Maya was able to tolerate the medical intervention given and was moved to the NICU where her daddy and mommy met her for the first time. 

Maya’s stay in the NICU lasted for 6 months. She was surrounded by nurses who took such great care of her. It was here where she learned what it truly meant to be pampered. Maya was given the nickname Maya Papaya which transferred over to the PICU. It was bittersweet when she had to move onto the PICU but it was a step in the right direction. 

Maya’s stay in the PICU lasted for 7 months. Here is where she began to develop her fine motor skills. She learned how to grab her toys, fingers, feeding tube, and trach. In addition to learning new things, she learned how to master her infamous side eye (which many of you have been a victim of and know oh too well). Maya became well known amongst her caregivers. Many of whom would stop by her doorway to see how she was doing even if they weren’t assigned to her for the day. The PICU was indeed memorable, it was here where she met her grandmothers and great grandmother (in person) for the first time. Maya’s health became stable, and the team believed she was ready to go to a rehabilitation facility. Maya waited months for a bed to become available and in March of 2022, this wait became a reality. 

At 13 months old, Maya was transferred to Ditmas Children’s Rehab. Here, Maya tapped into a whole new persona. Maya became awakened. She had so much sass, so much so, she was dubbed the Sass Queen. She had a range of traits, from lying across her bed the wrong way, to rolling over to her belly, to trying out her new set of chompers on the first fingers she could grab a hold of. The best part of being a victim of Maya’s bites was the sneaky smile she’d give you once she knew she succeeded. At Ditmas, Maya was able to explore and learn so much. She created beautiful paintings and enjoyed music and singing. Through therapy, she was able to strengthen her muscles and learned how to sit up. She even learned how to bring a spoon to her mouth to feed herself. Finally, the rehab allowed for Maya to meet her grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins where they were able to capture everlasting memories. 

Maya has left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Maya has been freed from her mortal body, but she will live on in spirit. Maya leaves behind her mommy, daddy, sister, grandmas, grandpas, great grandma and great grandpa, great aunts, great uncles, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Let us always remember our precious God Water Lily. We love you, Maya.

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