Marie Jeannette Murphy

Marie Jeannette Murphy (née Richard) born November 11, 1936, passed away alongside loved ones, in hospice care, early morning on Wednesday, January 24th. She was 87 years of age.

Jeannette is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Paul Murphy of Dorchester, MA, and their 3 sons, Mark, Eric and Nicholas Murphy. Jeannette is preceded in death by her mother Madeleine (née Robichaud) and father John Roch Richard, as well as her sister Geraldine, and three brothers Alcime, Alphonse and Alfred. She is survived by her sisters Dianne, Loretta, Rosa and Yollande.

Jeannette was a fun-loving grandmother to her grandchildren, sisters Ryann and Avery and their brother Dylan Murphy. Jeannette was also exceptionally caring to both daughters in law, Shana (née Simpkins) and Haven (née Holstein) Murphy. She cherished the loving memories made with friends and family over the years, and especially enjoyed her visits back home to Rogersville with Alphonse and Catherine. Anyone who ever met her is lucky to have done so.

Exceptionally kind, accepting and exemplary in character, Jeannette was born in the predominantly French speaking village of Rogersville, New Brunswick, in Canada. From a Catholic background, she developed an appreciation for hymnals, and sang both with her church choir and at home throughout her years. A follower of Jesus' teachings, she believed in emulating His unconditional care in her everyday life. First in her line of lifelong service, Jeannette headed to the Northeast United States, and worked for a time as a Nanny. She learned fluent English during this time, and enlisted with the United States Army. Having since served, Jeannette relocated to Wisconsin for ten years, where she became a Nun. At the Convent, Jeannette became a Nurse, caring for those within it. She then enlisted with the United States Air Force as a Nurse. This is where she caught the eye of Air Force Medic, Paul Murphy, her lifelong love.

Before having completed their service, the two were married. Once through with military duties, in 1974, the new parents and the newly born Mark settled back up north, to Brockton, Massachusetts, until 2012. Jeannette there plied her skills as an Alcohol Rehabilitation Nurse in nearby Quincy, MA, through the mid 1980s. After this, summers were spent as the Nurse at Camp Abnaki, in Vermont, until the late 1980s. Jeannette then decided she'd teach Sunday School in Brockton, for which the Boston Archdiocese issued an Award of Recognition, in 1997. Throughout the 1990s, the Murphys provided Foster Care for dozens of children, with great success. During this time, they were presented with the Foster Parents of the Year award.

Jeannette was also like a second mum to her sons' friends, welcoming everyone into her home. She loved decorating for the holidays, and delighted in cooking and baking, never letting anyone go hungry or without a place to hang and sleep. Throughout the late eighties and through the mid-nineties, the Murphy house was known far and wide as 'The Chillpad', notably a landing spot for skateboarders and hardcore punks, when none of that was even remotely socially acceptable. Jeannette didn't make assumptions based on appearances, and extended her compassion to everyone.

Though there was ample opportunity, the Murphys refused to accept a cent from anyone who ever occupied the 2nd floor apartments of their very busy home. Jeannette accepted the occupants and friends safety as payment enough. Once the elder Murphy boys had grown and moved to Florida, Jeannette and Paul would find themselves following in their footsteps.

It is in the Orlando area where Jeannette saw her two eldest sons married; where she and Paul became grandparents; where she spent her golden and twilight years, surrounded by family. Though ailing and significantly less mobile, Jeannette never stopped singing, laughing, telling stories, watching the 'Sister Act' movies on repeat, dishing out hugs and kisses, forever in awe of how truly wonderful life can be. To say that she will be sorely missed is an understatement.

Jeannette's Memorial service will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 at 1pm.

Jeannette's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.

Please join the family for a reception immediately following the service at the Funeral Home.

Her cremains will be settled in the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida on a date shortly after.