Lillian R. Murphy

Waterford - Lillian R. Murphy, 92, of Waterford, died Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, at the New London Rehab and Care Center in Waterford.

She was born on July 8, 1921, in New Bedford, Mass., the daughter of the late Severino "John" and Mary (Sylvia) Rogers.

A graduate of the Robert E. Fitch High School, Mrs. Murphy was a retired assistant secretary and personnel officer of the former Savings Bank of New London.

For 59 years she was the beloved wife of Thomas J. Murphy. High school sweethearts, they were married on Jan. 29, 1944, in Sacred Heart Church, Groton. Mr. Murphy died on Sept. 8, 2004.

She is survived by her two sisters, Phyllis R. Call of Seattle, Wash., and Shirley Maffioli of Waterford, and many nieces and nephews.

Lillian was an accomplished seamstress and spent many happy moments quilting with her friends at the Waterford Senior Center. A lifelong dancer, she was a member of the East Lyme and Waterford Senior tap dancing groups and cherished those relationships.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at St. Joseph Church, 17 Squire St., New London. Entombment will be private. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London.

Donations in her memory may be made to St. Joseph Church, 17 Squire St., New London, CT 06320.

The family would like to thank New London Rehab and Care, Beacon Hospice, Visiting Nurse Association of Southeastern Connecticut, and many others for their kindness during Mrs. Murphy's illness.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.