Jane Morehart Murphy's Obituary
Jane Morehart Murphy, 85, of Punta Gorda, FL, passed away on September 13, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Jane was born in Milwaukee, WI, to Myron and Catherine Morehart. For 64 years, she was married to the love of her life, Bryan Murphy. As a couple and as parents of 6 children, they were complementary partners and they filled their family with love. She had wonderful memories of growing up in Milwaukee with her parents, her two sisters Barbara and Patricia, and her beloved dog Candy. After her marriage to Bryan in 1956, they moved to Hollywood, CA, where she worked for the telephone company while they became settled. In the 1970s, she taught herself bookkeeping to become the accountant at Bryan’s startup company. They enjoyed a retirement filled with family, travel, and new beginnings in Florida. Jane’s lifetime of devotion inspired the same in return from her children and grandchildren who surrounded her until her final day.
Jane was as solid and loving of a person as you could find. Jane made all her children feel loved and safe - the best spots in the world were sitting on her lap reading a book or at a table playing a game with her. She could host a bridge party, sit with a neighbor for a cup of coffee, run the household of six children, make clothes for her family, and lead the migration by van of her family of eight from California to Alabama and then to Maryland. Her loyalty and friendship were enjoyed and valued by her family, friends, and neighbors. Many people relied on her advice and you could come to a decision by knowing what she would do. One example of her dedication was making separate long weekly commutes for years to eye doctor appointments for 3 of her children to ensure that each child got the attention that she wanted them to have.
Jane loved to laugh and brought humor to all situations. Whenever she visited with family, there would be many stories about the family history and they always ended with her beautiful laugh. Her beautiful eyes, smile, and laugh live on in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Jane’s strong will and strength of character made her such a good example throughout her life and her desire to help others will inspire her family forever.
She is predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Bryan Murphy. She is survived by her daughter Christine Murphy; daughter Catherine DerOvanesian and her husband Martin; son Patrick Murphy and his wife Nancy; son Kevin Murphy and his wife Christine; daughter Stacey Murphy (Michael Hill); daughter Leslie Moreau and her husband Curtis; her fourteen grandchildren (Christine) Bryan Utley, Nicholas Utley; (Catherine) Ara DerOvanesian, Shelley Riggs and her husband Vincent, Anna DerOvanesian and fiancé Benjamin Duerr, Jacqueline DerOvanesian; (Patrick) Reed Murphy and his wife Beth, Grant Murphy-Herndon; (Kevin) Bryan Murphy, Thomas Murphy, Mark Murphy; (Stacey) Jane Murphy Hill; (Leslie) Gordon Moreau, Catherine Moreau; her great-grandchildren (Christine) Catherine Utley; (Catherine) Silas Riggs; and (Patrick) Lily Murphy; her nieces and nephews (Jane’s sister Patricia) Laura Uzzel, Steve Reith, Julie Reith; (Jane’s sister Barbara) Linda Copeland, Michael Annen, Larry Annen, and Jeff Annen; (brother-in-law Gordon Murphy) Lynne Murphy and Craig Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local hospice organization.
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