“Her life was saved by rock and roll” (Lou Reed)
Carol Ann Murray (nee Retallack) passed away on February 5, 2026, after a short battle with cancer.
Music was always the centre of her world. She grew up in a home filled with music and was classically trained in piano. Two life changing events (seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 and discovering Led Zeppelin playing in a department store in 1969), sent her off in a new musical direction, delving into rock music and eventually many other genres.
Carol Ann attended Austin O’Brien High School, graduating in 1973. She worked a number of jobs, and returned to school in 1979, obtaining a diploma in Business Management from NAIT, eventually finding her way into the music business. A volunteer stint of the University of Alberta campus radio station, CJSR, led her to Program and Music Director in 1982 and Board of Directors. From there she went over to CKUA as librarian until 1990 then K-97 as Assistant and then Music Director through to 1993.
When it appeared that radio options were done, she enrolled at NAIT and completed a diploma in Architectural Technology, finding her way back to music a short time later at Shaw Communications in Calgary as a programmer for DMX Music Canada, a pioneering digital music delivery service. Programming several dedicated channels, she worked there until 2009. She then returned to Edmonton, worked several different jobs, volunteered at numerous music events, while caretaking her parents, sister, and eventually her brother. Her final position was customer representative at Alberta Motor Association for 8 years.
Auxiliary education included a certificate in marketing from SAIT, and training in universal design.
In her spare time Carol Ann loved to run, swim and hike. She did dozens of day hikes in the Banff and Lake Louise regions of our magnificent mountain parks.
Carol Ann was predeceased by her parents, Gordon and Kathryn Retallack. She leaves two siblings, Linda and Robert Retallack, along with numerous cousins.
A special debt of gratitude goes out to special family and friends who rallied around to provide support in her final days. Also special thanks to the staff at the Misericordia, Grey Nuns hospitals and the Norwood Palliative Care Centre, and to all of the wonderful palliative care teams who provided amazing support.
Anyone interested may donate in her name to the charity of their choice.
A celebration of life is to be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Yardbird Suite (11 Tommy Banks Way, Edmonton) with interment to follow.
Carol Ann Murray
February 08, 1956 - February 05, 2026
March 1, 2026
3 Condolences
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s hard to find the words. CA and I met while working at CKUA. Over the years we spent many memorable times together, mostly surrounded by music. Her knowledge, and her sense of adventure and fun have left an indelible mark, and helped form the person I am today. I was very lucky to have her in my life.
So sorry to hear this. Carol Ann was a swell gal! Really enjoyed working with her at CKUA Radio Network. She was knowledgeable, and always shared a smile. She is missed.
My deepest sympathy to Linda, Bob, and Jim for your loss of such a special soul.
Carol Ann has been a dear friend of mine for almost 50 years. We first met at NAIT where our shared love of music and sense of humour drew us together. Although I left Edmonton in 1980, we visited each other when we could. When a personal visit was not possible, we were in frequent contact via emails and phone calls. In recent months, as her health declined, we made due with daily texts. My last text from Carol Ann was February 3rd when she texted to thank me for the birthday card I had sent for her 70th birthday. Only someone as special and considerate as CA would find the strength to acknowledge receipt and thank me for the gesture.
I continue to think of her daily and give thanks that I was blessed with her friendship. She truly made my world a better place.
May she rest in peace.
Debra Moss