Elise Ann "Tootz" Murphy Delaney

Elise Ann "Tootz" Murphy Delaney, May 15, 1937 - April 16, 2026, a woman of grace, warmth, and quiet strength passed away peacefully at 5:05 AM in her home in Naples, Florida, under the loving care of AVOW Hospice with her devoted husband Frank and her youngest daughter Erin by her side, leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, and deep family devotion.

Born in 1937. Elise was the oldest of five girls and the cherished daughter of Captain William C. Murphy, USN, and his wife, Helen Louise Corley Murphy. One of the last things she told her daughter Erin was, "Please tell my sisters I love them." Her early years were marked by the cosmopolitan life of a Navy Junior. From 1948 to 1950, she lived in Tokyo, Japan, an experience that broadened her perspective and instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for different cultures. At the remarkable age of 13 in Tokyo, she obtained her driver's license and confidently drove the family car all over the city, which due to shortages of gasoline it was converted to operate gas generated from coal. Subsequent duty stations took the family to San Diego, California; Pensacola, Florida; Panama; Rhode Island; Massachusetts; and other postings. Yet, no matter where her father's service called them, Elise spent the greater part of her formative years at the beloved family home of her grandparents at 116 Laurel Hill Road in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. It was there, surrounded by stability and the beauty of the lakes, that she blossomed. She graduated from Mountain Lakes High School in 1955.

On August 25th, 1955, Elise married the love of her life, Frank A. Delaney III. Their union, spanning 71 beautiful years, was a true partnership rooted in affection, mutual respect, and sharded adventure. In the early years of their marriage, they lived in Connecticut while Frank served as a United States Marine. As their family grew, they made their home first on St. John's Ave. in Mt. Tabor, New Jersey, and later at 77 Old Denville Road in Boonton Township, New Jersey. She and Frank thoroughly enjoyed the yearly Marine Balls in New York City with their dear friends, the late Warren "Pete" and Rosemary Haas.

A poignant memory that reflected Elise's enduring elegance and the kindness of strangers occurred on September 11, 2001. While returning from a trip to Ireland and England, their plane was diverted to Newfoundland. As Elise stood in a local church, Harold Pelley noticed her and said to himself, "this woman is so elegant she seems out of place". He escorted her to meet his wife, the Postmaster of the town, Myrtle, immediately insisted on taking Elise and Frank into their home, giving their master suite - for the two-and-a-half weeks they were stranded there. This extraordinary act of neighborly love and God's grace not only kept Erin's parents safe but restored Erin's faith in humanity and allowed Erin to sleep at night knowing they were safe and sound. Myrtle and Harold Pelly became fast family and visited often to Elise and Frank's home on Marco Island, where Elise and Frank tried their best to show their deep appreciation.

Elise's heart found particular joy in their summer home in Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island New Jersey, where she cherished the company of dear neighbors on 69th Street and the simple pleasures of sun, sea, and sand. In 1990 she and Frank embraced a new chapter as snowbirds, dividing their time between New Jersey and their cherished residence at The Sandpiper on Marco Island, Florida. In 2013, they happily accepted the loving offer to live with their daughter Erin and her husband Paul Rak in Golden Gate Estates, Naples, Florida.

Elise was an avid and accomplished bridge player, widely admired for her skill and strategic mind at the table. She also lived tennis and excelled at the game for many years. An enthusiastic golfer, she enjoyed countless rounds at Mt. Tabor Country Club in Mt, Tabor, New Jersey, as well as Baltusrol Golf Club in, Springfield, New Jersey, and The Classics Country Club at Lely in Naples, Florida. For 20 years she volunteered at Saint Clare's Hospital in Denville, New Jersey, serving as manager of the gift shop, working with the post-op surgical team in the recovery room, and participating in the committee for the St. Clare's Harvest Festival. She was also a dedicated volunteer for hospice.

While living in New jersey, she was a active parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Boonton, Saint Catherine's Parish in Mountain Lakes and Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Denville. On Marco Island, Florida, she served as a Eucharistic Minister and a Guardian of the Adoration Chapel at San Marco Roman Catholic Church. In 2013, she became a member of Saint Agnus Roman Catholic Church in Naples.

She lived with a elegance that was as natural as it was effortless. She possessed a gentle wit, a generous spirit, and an ability to make every gathering feel like home. Whether hosting family at the shore, starting traditions spanning generations, or quietly supporting those she loved, she brought beauty and kindness to every chapter of her life. As her daughter Erin Called her, she was "the most beautiful woman in the world inside and out!"

She is survived by her devoted husband of 71 years, Frank A, Delaney III; her children, Mark's widow, Cindy Delaney of Beachwood, New Jersey, Elise Delaney Collins and her husband Bill of Boonton TWSP, New Jersey; Michael John Delaney I and his life partner Karen Hurdman of Boonton TWSP, New Jersey; Sean Gerard Delaney of Boston, Massachusetts; Frank A. Delaney IV of Monmouth Beach, New Jersey; Erin Kathleen Delaney Rak and her husband Paul M. Rak of Golden Gate Estates, Naples, Florida.

She is also survived by her grandchildren; Meghan Lynn Delaney and Chelsea Delaney of Beachwood, New Jersey (daughters of the late Mark); Sloane Collins and Ben Harrison of New York City, New York, Rory and Jared Ferraro of New York City, New York, Mackenzie Collins of New York City, New York, and Corley Collins of Brooklyn, New York (children of Elise and Bill Collins); Mike and Stephanie Delaney of Baltimore, Maryland; Mitch and Kelly Delaney of Long Island, New York (children of Michael); Sarah Delaney of Brooklyn, New York, and Frank A Delaney V of Fair Haven, New Jersey (children of Frank IV); as well as seven great grandchildren: Benjamin, Grace, and Louise (children of Sloane and Ben); Maeve and Cole (children of Mike and Steph); and Grace and Molly (children of Mitch and Kelly).

She leaves behind her dear sisters, Kathryn "Terry" Crisp of Hollis, New Hampshire, Helen Louise "Mikey" Traugott of Brookfield, Connecticut, and Deirdre "DeeDee" Murphy of Albuquerque, New Mexico; her brother-in-law Peter R. Delaney and his wife Faith of Emerald Isle, North Carolina; her sister-in-law Patricia Aldredge of Pennsylvania; Cherished Cousins Martin and Donna Stuermer of Boonton TWSP, New Jersey and Heather Stuermer and her life partner Evan Chase of New Haven, Connecticut; Bob and Mary Ceal Murtaugh of Morgan, California and West Palm Beach, Florida,  And her dear friends who became family - Ann Breslauer of Parsippany, New Jersey, Robert Belcher and Kathy Dame of Plattsburg, New York and Naples, Florida; Barbara and Bill Murray of Plattsburg, New York and Marco Island, Florida; as well as many nieces and nephews who brought her great joy.

Elise was pre-deceased by her beloved son, Mark Alexander Delaney; her dear sister Patricia Jean "Pat" Berrie; her parents, Captain William C, Murphy and Helen Louise Corley Murphy; her brothers-in-laws; Pastor Jack Traugott, Dr. Jack Crisp, Jack Aldredge, and John Berrie; and her sister-in-law Denise Delaney.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at11:30 AM at Saint Agnes Roman Catholic Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples FL 34120.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that you Pay it Forward, by performing a good deed for a stranger in Tootz's memory. This will remain a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.