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Barbara MURPHY Obituary
Barbara Ann
Barbara Ann Watson Murphy, 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 29, 2022, in her family home in Houston. Barbara was born to John A. J. Watson and Rosemary Capen Watson on August 29, 1940, in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from Saint Joseph Academy in Cleveland and attended University of Detroit, where she met husband John J. Murphy, Sr. They started a family in the Detroit area before moving to Lapeer, MI, Springfield, OH, and Houston.
As the ultimate homemaker and loving mother, volunteer at school libraries and many non-profit organizations, Barbara touched the lives of many. She was an avid reader and surrounded herself with books working for B. Dalton Booksellers and Barnes & Noble for more than 30 years. She was a lover of theatre and musicals, a great storyteller and a "pen pal" who appreciated exchanging handwritten notes and cards.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sisters Elizabeth Watson (David) Ross and Carol Watson (Raymond) Musser, grandson John Carney Murphy and many loved ones.
Barbara is survived by siblings John Michael (Ellen) Watson and Patricia Watson (Thomas) Madden; children Kathleen Murphy, John (Karen) Murphy, Jr., Timothy (Dayna) Murphy, Kris Murphy and Paula Murphy; grandchildren Kaitlyn Murphy, Allison Murphy, Joseph Murphy, Brian (Michelle) Murphy, Kelley Murphy and Erin Murphy; and great-grandson Killian Murphy Crawford.
Barbara was a proud member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, Alden Kindred of America and National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to some of Barbara's favorite charities, MADD, Houston Food Bank, and Saint Joseph Academy of Cleveland, OH.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara MURPHY
6 Entries
Paula Murphy
November 7, 2023
It's hard to believe it has been a year since mom passed, and not a day goes by without thinking of her and wanting to pick up the phone and call her. But what remains is the love you shared and the loving life that you helped create for us. You are always with me and will never be forgotten, Babs! PS your orchid RE-bloomed right on cue
Missy & Mike Gruver
November 14, 2022
Paula and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Your hearts must be broken and we wish we could make it not hurt so much. Thank you for sharing your Mom with us on. Watching your stories and your memory making was very special and so fun. Paula, we made a donation to the Houston Food Bank in you Mom´s honor. We know how much it means to you and how hard you work for them, as well.
Love to you.
Treva Douglas
November 13, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful friend,Barb's . I will love you and miss you always. Barb's you were a special friend . Love you Treva
Paula Murphy
November 12, 2022
We miss you so much already, mom. Thanks for the life you lived, the life you shared and the life you built for your family. We love you, Babs!
Kris Murphy
November 11, 2022
Barbara Murphy... Babs....was my mother for all of my 57 years. She was a remarkable woman who gave me every bit of love and support that a mother could give. She made a happy home for us, she gave us a wonderful childhood and a lifetime of memories. Mom was always there for us, waiting at home when we came home from school, picking Us up from practice at the end of the day, driving us to our many events. Always with a smile and a hug!and an enthusiasm for hearing about our day.
As I became an adult, mom became my confidant and cheerleader. Always the loving voice at the other end of the phone, whether I called with good news or bad news or no news at all. She loved me and she loved my dogs... Sydney in particular and was just a joy to spend time with.
In her final months, mom had come to terms with her failing health, but her spirit never waivered. She shared Joy and love and laughter as much as we could. She managed to be a trooper right to the end and went out of this life following the plan she had put in place.
I love you mom and will always love you. I expect you to keep an eye on me at pop in now and again to say hi!!
Vickie Gonzales
November 11, 2022
Our hearts and prayers for the Murphy family.
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