Farewell to a friend: Mary Murray dies aged 100

Family and friends will gather this week to farewell one of the region's pioneers.

MUCH LOVED: Maroochydore woman Mary Murray died peacefully on Thursday, aged 100. Picture: Warren Lynam

FAMILY and friends will gather this week to farewell one of the region's pioneers.

'Muddy' Mary Murray died peacefully on Thursday, aged 100.

The OAM holder and former Alexandra Headland resident was an accomplished rally car driver who raced in two Ampol Round Australia rallies.

Mary and her late husband, Fred, a former Maroochy Shire Council chairman, won the married couples division and Mary was crowned Queensland Rally Trials champion three years in a row.

The trained nurse and former Army Sister was still a current licence holder as a 100-year-old and earnt her nickname during a mishap getting out of a bog which left her covered in mud.

She started the Nambour Driving School for Women and taught more than 60 women how to drive and her Mary Murray Welfare Committee charity raised about $400,000 (about $1 million today).

FLASHBACK: Rally drivers Fred and Mary Murray parked at the Ampol Headlands Service Station, Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland, 1965. Picture: Contributed

A prolific bridge player, Mary helped found the Sunshine Coast Bridge Club with Fred.

Mary's family and friends have been invited to celebrate her life at Stella Maris Catholic Church on Baden Powell St, Maroochydore, on Thursday, December 20, at 11am.

Mary was a much-loved mother of Gwendoline, Mark, Boo (deceased), Jane (deceased), Kate and Liesl.

BIRTHDAY GIRL: Mary Murray turned 100 on January 8 this year. She still held a licence and was a keen bridge player. Picture: Scott Sawyer