Elaine J Murphy Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Gigi

It is with great sadness to her family and friends that we share the passing of Elaine J Murphy, 94, of Chelmsford, MA.  She died peacefully July 3, 2023, in her home of 65 years, surrounded by her children, where she leaves a legacy of a life well lived.

Elaine was born on February 21, 1929, in Woburn, MA. She was the eldest daughter of the late John and Cecilia Joyce and grew up in Belmont, MA alongside her three younger sisters.  After graduating from Belmont High School with the class of 1946, and then the Kathleen Dell School in Boston in 1947, she went to work for New England Telephone in Boston.

On a family vacation at Hampton Beach when Elaine was 15 years old, she worked at Jenkins Candy Factory where taffy kisses were sold. There were many young boys who would ask for “kisses” but Elaine scoffed at every one of them until a 15 year old named Eddie joked with her in a similar way. After a few choice words were said, they had their first date that very same day at Salisbury Beach NH.  James Edward Murphy Jr and Elaine dated for 10 years before marrying on September 26, 1953, at St. Lukes Church in Belmont. They resided in Chelmsford from 1958 and shared 42 years of marriage together before Elaine lost her beloved Eddie on April 11, 1995.

After marrying, Elaine quit NE Telephone to raise her 4 children which she would refer to as the happiest time in her life.  The family took yearly vacations to both Cape Cod and to Winnipesaukee where grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends were always included.  Her and Eddie were blessed with lifelong friends who became known as the Saturday Night Crew.  They rotated houses every week and the stories and antics of those very late evenings are still shared by the children of this group today. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her sisters. Elaine also harbored a strong affinity for dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds.

When all her children were in school, Elaine returned to work for the Chelmsford School system as a secretary for 25 years at the Parker, McCarthy, and Chelmsford High School where she retired in 1994.

Elaine’s love and commitment to family continued throughout her life as she developed a very special and deep relationship with each of her 6 grandchildren, providing a needed ear and sounding board as they grew and matured.

Elaine’s memory of light and love will live on through her large and loving family: her three sons, James E. Murphy III and his wife Brenda of Westford, MA, John “Jack” Murphy and his wife Karen of Tyngsboro, MA, Lawrence Murphy and his wife Lori of Westford, MA; her daughter Elaine Murphy, widow of Bruce Turner of Acushnet, MA;, six grandchildren – James E Murphy IV and his wife Lina, Jessica Dolbeare and her husband Christopher, Meghan O’Flynn and her husband Joseph, Michael Murphy, Kayla Murphy, and Kerri Murphy; eight great-grandchildren – Cecilia, James (Eddie), Aubreigh, Christopher, Joesph, Maggie, Maverick and Jack.  Her sisters Marjorie Ducey of Dracut, MA, Patricia Collins of Belmont, MA; Nancy Webster of Lexington MA (deceased) and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of Flowers, please make donations to Tunnels to Towers Foundation 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, New York 10306 or Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind 371 East Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown NY 11787-2976.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Visitation Monday, July 17 from 9:30-10:30AM at DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST., N. CHELMSFORD, MA. Funeral Monday, July 17 at 11:00AM at St. Mary Church in Chelmsford, MA.  Burial in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford, MA.

ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com