Helen Murray was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to James S. Murray and Mary Murray. Her early life was marked by curiosity and a growing interest in science.

From a young age, Helen exhibited a keen interest in science, fostered by her parents and her environment. She was particularly fascinated by the natural world.

Helen graduated from high school with strong aptitude in sciences, setting the stage for her pursuit of higher education in chemistry.

Helen attended the College of Wooster in Ohio, initially studying physical education due to a scholarship opportunity. However, when it turned out that the need for male physical education teachers was greater than the need for female, she turned to her high school interest in chemistry.

Helen graduated from the College of Wooster with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. She was one of the few women pursuing chemistry at that time.