Brenda Murphy Obituary

Murphy, Brenda (nee Nelligan) 76, born in Poughkeepsie, NY, a longtime resident of Hyde Park, died peacefully at home with her family after a prolonged illness on January 8, 2016. Beloved wife and best friend for 50 years of John James, Jr.; loving mother of John James III (Margaret) of Seattle, Rebecca (Paul) Schmitz of Newton, MA, and Kevin (Kellen) of Chicago; amazing and generous grandmother of five, Leah, Finn, Esmé (Seattle), Peter Schmitz (Newton) and Mallory (Chicago); beloved aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 5472 S. Kimbark, at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 30th followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions to your favorite social justice cause, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (chicagohomeless.org) or Hyde Park Cats shelter (hydeparkcats.org) are appreciated.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 17, 2016.
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What a beautiful person, loving & full of life. All ways positive, wish I got more time to spend with her. But I got blessed with lose few times & she really made me feel like family . All the stories of Pat , Brenda & Mom (Sandy), they are treasured in my mind. It made difference in my life & her children could have not have a better mother! or father!

Isa Mendelow

February 3, 2016

Years ago, my husband, Charles, had the good sense to rent an apartment in the same building that was home to Brenda, John and family. What a profound gift it was bask in Brenda's sharp mind, sense of humor and fierce passion for a more just world. We loved her and agree that Brenda is one of absolute best people we will ever meet in our lives. Sending much love to John and family.

Leesa Albert

January 28, 2016

Whenever I was at a meeting with Brenda in attendance or just happened to meet her on the street she was always outgoing, friendly,caring and committed to helping others lead a better life. We need more people like her!

Joe Marlin

January 20, 2016

May God grant you comfort: "The true God is for us a God who saves; And Jehovah the Sovereign Lord provides escape from death."

B.M. Musial

January 20, 2016

January 18, 2016

John Murphy

January 17, 2016

John Murphy

January 17, 2016

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Memorial Events
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Jan

30

Visitation

10:00 a.m.

St. Thomas the Apostle Church

5472 S. Kimbark, IL 60654-1501

Jan

30

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

St. Thomas the Apostle Church

5472 S. Kimbark, IL 60654-1501

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