Mary Ann Murphy

MURPHY , Mary Ann
Held and Handed on the Tradition
Mary Ann Murphy died on July 31, 2007 peacefully in her home in Alhambra, California. Daughter of Irish immigrants - Joseph from County Sligo, Barbara from County Galway - she was born and grew up in Los Angeles. From a very early age she embraced her Irish heritage, taking Irish step and set dance lessons for years. She attended Our Lady Help of Christians parish and from her parents developed a lifelong support and affection for the Catholic Church.
At age eighteen Mary Ann took a position with the City of Los Angeles, and worked for the city for 42 years. She met her husband, John Murphy of Butte, Montana at an Irish dance. They settled in Alhambra, raised six children and were married for 52 years. Mary Ann enrolled all her children in Catholic School and ensured they all learned Irish dancing.
Mary Ann was active in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Church activities including Religious Education and Mission Circle. Since her youth she was always active in Irish social organizations including the Peter Murray Irish Republican Club and the Ulster Gaels. Ireland's Own Social Club was the heart of her social life and she served the organization as a board member until she died. She was honored by the city for her years of service to the city at her retirement in 1982. She was recognized twice as Irish Person of the Year by the City of Los Angeles. She and her husband were given the Special Recognition award for their years of commitment to the Irish Cultural Center of Southern California.
She was predeceased by her brothers Joseph and Edward and her husband, John who died in 2003. She is survived by her six children: Mary Ann and her partner, Lynn of Arcata, CA, John Michael and his wife Sheila of Brunswick, Maine, Patrick of New Orleans, Timothy and his wife, Corrinne, of Covina, CA, Barbara of Alta Loma, CA, and Daniel and his wife Patti of Yorba Linda, CA and seventeen grandchildren: Annie, Patrick, Timothy, Thomas, Terrance, Christine, John, Stephen, Kevin, Matthew, Ryan, Teresa, Jack, Michael, Katelin, Brigit an d Sean.
A wake and Rosary will be at 7 p.m. on Sunday and a funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, both at St. Thomas More Church in Alhambra.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: The Columban Fathers, 2600 N. Vermont, Los Angeles, CA 90027.