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14850 Garrett Avenue
Apple Valley, Minnesota
Mary Murphy Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Mary Murphy
Sponsored by Betsy Jilk-Golden.
Manda Vlasak
August 27, 2020
I can't believe it has been 9 years since you left us. I still think of you almost everyday, something I do or see reminds me of you. You had, and continue to have, such a huge impact on my life; I am a better person because I knew you.
Ashley Tanberg
August 30, 2012
Kate signed my 8th grade yearbook in this way: "It has been an honor working with you. Be easy on yourself." It's taken six years, particularly this past school year and summer in Maine, to practice life with ease. I feel more alive than ever because I finally took her words to heart. Ms. Murphy, the pleasure was truly all mine. Honoring you and the work you inspired.
Melissa Halvorson (Fleming)
August 30, 2012
I can't believe tomorrow will be a year since she passed. I've thought about her a lot the past year, seeing her face in others. She has definitely impacted my life in the past and I will continue to carry her memories with me. Tomorrow Ms Murphy, I am getting panera in honor of our favorite lunch spot.
Betsy Golden
December 15, 2011
Missing you so much!!!! Merry First Christmas in heaven!
November 9, 2011
Missing you a lot! Keep sending the "signs"! Love you
~Betsy
September 12, 2011
Dear family and friends of Mary,
What a terrible loss. May the prayers and kind thoughts of family and friends help you through this difficult time.
Tom and Ellen Fridinger
jacob mox
September 9, 2011
Andy and matt, you were so lucky to have a mom that loved you and cared for you as much as she did. I remember all the times she would mention you giys during class, and that was in one year. I will always remember her laigh and smile. You could always tell that she loved her job, she would watch us while were working and just smile at us. I'll always remember when me and my friend were practicing for the spelling bee, and walking to lunch she would quiz us with tiebreaker question that no one else could pracrice, since they didn't know them. She inspires me to do what I enjoy and that being different wasn't just a good thing but a thing I should be proud of. She also taught me that if you truly love something, that you go out and enjoy it. With her help I met new friends, got smarter, and learned how to spell froufrou, (inside story). Without her I wouldn't have gotten this far , and even though she isn't here she will help me plenty more. She will stay in the hearts of me frms, and almost anyone she knew. I wish the best of wishes to you
Andrew Mitsch
September 9, 2011
Very sad to hear about the passing of Mrs. Murphy. It's been a while since I went to Falcon Ridge, but I can still remember the amount of interest she took in my development. My prayers are with her family.
John Christianson
September 9, 2011
It was such a shock to hear of Ms. Murphy's passing. Some of my fondest memories from FRMS come from my participation in the theatre productions. Ms. Murphy did so much to help us students grow into who we are today. The district has lost a giant inspiration for countless students far too soon. I send my deepest condolences to Matt and his family.
Nancy Jacobson
September 9, 2011
Kate, you brought light and life to our family, and you brought it to our district. Our hearts ache deeply, yet we will keep your memory alive. You are loved and valued.
John & Linda Peterson
September 9, 2011
My son came home last night and immediately told me of Mrs. Murphy's passing. Luke is one of the GT kids she cared for during her time at Falcon Ridge. She truly made a difference in his young life. We are all sad today.
Maddy Settle
September 8, 2011
Mrs. Murphy was a huge part of my middle school experience, and also one of the best parts. She helped me cultivate my love of learning as well as theater, and I'll never forget the impact she had on me. I wish I had thanked her more while I had the chance. To the Murphy family, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope all the messages of gratitude and pride from her time at FRMS serve to help you work through this time as you look back on her life with memories of what an amazing person she was.
Kris and Pat Cropsey
September 8, 2011
Matt and Andy,
We are so sorry for your loss! So many of us share in that loss! Your mom was an extraordinary person, a gifted teacher and director and a treasured friend. We will miss her dearly! We will never forget the opportunity that she gave our son Tyler--he still talks about being in "Flappers" at Falcon Ridge with "Ms. Murphy" and that was 6 years ago! Kate included him effortlessly and looked past his disability to his potential and challenged him with her high expectations for him, as she had for all of her students, which he, in turn, lived up to. She set the bar high and brought out the best in her students. She demanded great things and they responded. Later, when Tyler was in Bravo with Matt at Eastview, I'll never forget how your mom brought him flowers and he was so thrilled! She was extraordinarily thoughtful and kind and Andy and Matt, you have so many of those same traits. She will be missed by so many and her loss will be keenly felt by middle schoolers who will not have the opportunity to experience her guiding hand and her inspiration. We will miss her smile and her great laugh and her high expectations for Tyler and for all of her students. We will miss her friendship above all...and as any friend of Kate's knows and as so many have expressed, her greatest joy and love in life was the two of you! Our love and support and our prayers go out to the two of you during this difficult time.
The Dettmer Family
September 8, 2011
Our 4 children have had the pleasure of being students of Kate's for the past 2 years. She challenged them, encouraged them, and set an example of what it means to love what you do, and to love who you do it for . . . her students. We are grateful to have had the chance to know her, and pray that her boys are comforted by the legacy she left in their lives and the lives of her students.
Dave, Jodi, Jillian and Olivia Kurtz
September 7, 2011
Our deepest Sympathy to Kate's family. The loss is shared by many. May you find comfort knowing she was cared for by many parents and students of FRMS.
Ashley Tanberg
September 7, 2011
I worshiped the ground that Kate Murphy walked on in middle school. She gave me the foundation I so desperately needed for building confidence in myself. I took her words to heart and used all of the tools that she gave me to succeed. Today, I wouldn't be in college pursuing my dreams if it weren't for her. I send my love and prayers to the family. And to Ms. Murphy: Thanks for getting me out of class during my "rough" days to sit and chat with you-- making me feel special and teaching me the lessons that I will never forget has truly paid off so far... I miss you greatly and will always cherish the moments of laughter in your office.
September 7, 2011
Matt and Andy,
Your mom was a dear friend of everyone of the Class of 1975 at Houston High School. She was very special! Through her adversity, she inspired Lisa, Karen, Jeanne, Cheryl and me to be the very best we could be! We were inseparable in the 70's and her passing leaves a huge void. I am at a loss for words to describe how much she meant to us. May she rest in peace.
The Heieie Family
September 6, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to you Andy and your entire family. May you find the strength and support you need in family and friends that surround you as well as in your mom's spirit and love that is within you!
Laurie Ollhoff
September 6, 2011
Dear Matt and Andy,
I'm deeply sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. She was a dear friend. I will miss her. She leaves behind many beautiful memories and a rich legacy of caring for others. Every time she and I got together she updated me on both of you and Maddox. I feel like I know you because of her and her stories of you. She was a proud mom and grandma.
Sincerely, Laurie Ollhoff
September 6, 2011
Dear Andy & Matt:
We were so sad to hear of the passing of your dear Mom, Kate. We have many fond memories of visiting your family when you were just little boys.
We will always remember your Mom's laugh, her bright eyes and caring heart. May your fondest memories of your Mom bring you some comfort during this very difficult time. You both are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Wanezeks from Greendale, Wisconsin
In 2008...Best friends from Houston High School getting together
Sue Nelson
September 6, 2011
Abby Loew
September 5, 2011
deeply sorry about Mrs. Murphy's family's loss. Rest in Peace..
Sue R.
September 5, 2011
My deepest sympathies go out to Mary's two children. It's been many many years since I've seen Mary, but I have never forgotten. She was a close friend of my sisters and I remember the days of slumber parties and being around her long ago. I too remember your laugh Mary and it was wonderful. God Bless!!!
JoEllen Saunders
September 5, 2011
Your mother was a wonderful talented person and she added so much to every life that she touched. When she had time for lunch( which wasn;t very often) she would come in the teachers lounge and always have a great story to tell about her boys or her students.
Im sorry for your loss
FRMS Para
Borgen's
September 5, 2011
Kate will be remembered for her kind spirit, welcoming smile, and generous heart. Her children were the center of her universe. She was an amazing person, friend, and teacher. Her passion to instill greatness in others was a special gift that she gave freely. She will be missed and remembered fondly.
Jeanne Poppe
September 4, 2011
Mary Kay Murphy was a spirited, smart, wonderful woman. She was funny and talented. I wasn't able to see her as much as I would like, but last year I got to spend some time with her when she came to a conference in Austin, MN. It was great to be together, she was someone I always admired. I am so sorry Andrew and Matt. My deepest sympathy.
Athena Hatfield
September 4, 2011
Mrs. Murphy was one of the best teachers I've ever had, even though I only knew I only had her for one year. She was inspiring, encouraging, and so wonderfully wise and kind, she brightened up the whole room. I'm extremely sad about her death and wish her family the best.
Kevin Engstrom
September 4, 2011
Kate was a dynamic and passionate mother and teacher. I am blessed to have experienced the results of her work in both of these areas. She sent such wonderful and talented learners to Eastview through her work as the FRMS Gifted and Talented Coordinator. Her imprint was easily recognizable on her many students who showed up in my classroom. Those students who had the pleasure of being mentored by Kate were always excited to learn, they were used to being stretched, and they loved to be challenged. However, the best work that Kate ever did was bring us Andy and Matt. These two wonderful boys (now men) left their mark on me as did Kate's joy of being their mother. She was so proud of you two. I so enjoyed coaching you in Soccer Andy as well as having you in class. Your quiet but powerful leadership combined with your strength and speed were gifts I always marveled at. Your kindness and respectful nature were equally impressive. Matt it was such a pleasure to have you in class as well and an absolute joy to watch you perform on the Flash or the stage. You were such a talented performer. I very much enjoyed our many conversations. You two enriched my life and I want to thank you but I can't do that unless I also thank your mother for the way she raised and nurtured you. Her gifted and talented fingerprints are all over you guys. She encouraged you to follow your passions and become the successful men that you are today. I am so sorry for your loss and deeply saddened that she has left you far too soon. I am very thankful that you both carry her spirit forward within you. This is a blessing for you and for all with whom you come in contact. My mom just passed a few days after yours so I share your pain and I know it hurts badly. Try to draw strength from those around you. It helps lighten the burden. I think of you guys often but now more than ever, my thoughts are with you. your friend and former teacher,
melissa f.
September 4, 2011
Although I never had Kate as a teacher I did consider her a friend. She was an amazing woman with a kind heart. She will be greatly missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you Andy and Matt.
Michelle Shaffner
September 3, 2011
My heart is heavy; Kate will be dearly missed at FRMS. I'll never forget the many years she came to my classroom to run the spelling bee. "Are you ready, Speller?" My thoughts and prayers are with Matt and Andy and family. Wishing you peace in the days to come.
September 3, 2011
Andy & Matt
Our thoughts and prayers are with you this day and always. Your mother was a very wonderful,caring passonite person who touched many peoples lives in such a positive way. My most vivid memories of Kate will always be of how very much she loved and cherished you boys. Katie Hines
Betsy Jilk-Golden
September 3, 2011
Andrew and Matthew, I cannot tell you how much you both meant to your mother. Her love for you was beyond measure. I can tell you she adored you from the moment you both were born. You were her life! I am so sorry you are having to face this difficult situation at such a young age. All I can tell you is that I will be here for both of you. Please know, my door is always open to you and I will do whatever you may need. Your mom was so proud of you boys and I know she is looking down on you right now. She will for always be your guardian angel! I love you both! I am so, so sorry!
Steve Timmerman
September 2, 2011
Many times I teased Kate that she was well suited for her role as GT Coordinator because she, herself, was both gifted and talented. She would laugh that fabulous laugh.....
In fact, she WAS truly gifted as an educator and exceptionally talented as a theater director. She touched the lives of thousands of students over the years in so many profound ways. Kate's legacy will be carried forward through the lives of these young people as they grow into adulthood with the seeds of creativity and wonderment she helped them nurture.
Matt and Andy, we her friends sadly mourn her passing with you and your family. But we also celebrate her years of accomplishments and her dedication to the profession of teaching which she loved so much. Kate truly was a gifted and talented teacher.
Katie Moynihan
September 2, 2011
Ms. Murphy was a kind woman with a giving heart. She wanted the best for every student, and pushed them to do their very best. She will be dearly missed, and loved by all FRMS students and staff. May God bless her soul.
A F
September 2, 2011
I knew Kate as a loyal, honest, spiritual friend. She was sincere, sweet and real. I extend sympathy to her sons. She was the best.
M V
September 2, 2011
Kate was a dear friend and mentor to me. She opened her arms wide to me when I began working at FRMS back in 2006, and was there for me every moment of every day. She was always my biggest fan.
Kate, you are missed greatly, but I will never forget all you did for me or what you mean to me.
Deb Shepley
September 2, 2011
I taught with Kate 17 years ago at Rosemount Middle School. She was an outstanding teacher and friend to many! I am in shock, and I am so sorry to hear of her death. My heart goes out to her family, fellow teachers & students at Falcon Ridge Middle School.
I am praying for all of you!
Deb Shepley
Rose Mikhail
September 2, 2011
Mrs. Murphy was an amazing person and director. She made me fall in love with theatre when she gave me and others the oppurtunity as only a 6th grader to be in high school musical at FRMS. If it wasn't for Mrs. Murphy I wouldn't have gotten out of my shell and wouldn't have friends I have today. Thoughout all the plays and musicals Mrs. Murphy taught me so much and falcon would have been NOTHING without her. Mrs. Murphy, we will ALL miss how kind you were, your fun personality, your laugh, your amazing teaching skills, and your famous hair. I wish and pray for Matt, Honey, and other family and friends the best.
jacob mox
September 2, 2011
Mrs. Murphy was a great person and teacher. She provided so much help at FRMS and I only went to FRMS for a year but she helpwd me a ton. I just want to wish the best to her friends and family
Maya Butler
September 2, 2011
Mrs. Murphy was my director for musicals and plays at Falcon Ridge. She was always kind to us at theater rehearsals. I loved Mrs. Murphy, she was one of the kindest women I knew. I know other kids who had her for a teacher or director will miss her also.
Barb Freeman
September 2, 2011
A loving mom, an extraordinary educator, and a wonderful friend--Kate taught so many so much! Her legacy of teaching and learning will live on. My thoughts and prayers are with you Matt and Andy--thank you for sharing your mom with all of us!
Meg Selby
September 2, 2011
Condolences to Kate's family. The school and community has lost an incredible teacher, production director/friend and individual. Thank you Kate for all that you did for the kids of FRMS...you were loved and you will be missed.
Joni Baldwin
September 2, 2011
"We offer our sympathy to Kate's family. Mrs. Murphy was our first contact at FRMS and she arranged for my daughter and I to attend the Young Author's conference. It was a wonderful day. Our community will miss her smile and her gifts of education."
Jane Hoffmann
September 2, 2011
Love and light to you, Kate.
Pam Krause
September 2, 2011
Our family is so sorry to hear about Mrs. Murphy. Both of my children had her for a teacher. She was special to both of them, especially Sean. I don't think anyone at Falcon Ridge knows how much she gave to the school. We will miss her.
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