Joan Murphy

Joan was my teacher of the finer vintage world. I met her working in Avon. I sold vintage jewlery at a shop in front of her shop. The clothing she sold me has filled trunks and closets.

Joan and I went to Spain, where she taught me that life is FUN, wild, and risky. She gave me the travelling courage to go places even on my own. I gave her the recipe for B-52s layered and chilled.

Everything I wore at my wedding, I bought from Joan and I was so happy to have her attend. ...

Roxie: We first met you at the Armory in Stratford and you always had such wonderful Hawaiian shirts for Steven. We made a beeline for your booth first. You were fair with your prices and we enjoyed talking with you. It was always fun to see you later at the Farmington show. We will miss you. May you find a vintage heaven where everyone's wearing great Hawaiian shirts.
Always in our hearts,

Barbara and Steven Rudnick

I'm going to miss Joan more than she would ever suspect. She was a good friend and an important latter-day mentor for me, who introduced me to an entirely new area and level of business. She was warm and funny with a wonderful heart. Anyone who met Spike knew how big her heart was (I hope Spike takes it easy on whoever has him now!)...I'm really miss you Joan and will always keep you in my heart, the shows won't be the same without you.

P.S. (From Mischa) She was a lot fun to be around...

That knowing smile.... I'll miss seeing you Joan, Laura

Joan was a thoughtful, generous and lovely woman. I first met her years ago when I became a customer of hers, and I remained a faithful customer for years. Joan had a great eye. Years later, she participated in a few of my shows at the New Yorker Hotel. The last time I saw Joan was at one of Karen's auctions and we comisserated about our respective maladies. Even though she was not feeling that well, she was working the auction, upbeat as usual, and more concerned for my comfort than for her...

my friend josh called today with the very sad news of joan murphy's passing. i will miss her , it was always wonderful to see her at brimfield and farminton and even e.t with her new wheels. roxie t was great about keeping up with her friends and finding time for us.

Over more than 20 years of knowing Joan, our friendship grew closer at a very slow, steady pace. The more time we spent together, talking on the phone, visiting each other, emailing, shopping, laughing at one of Joan's "Let me tell you a funny....", the more I learned to love and respect this unique, wise and gentle soul. So many things I will miss doing with my dear friend. Joan, you are always with me in my heart and soul. I love you and know we are always here for each other.

Joan,

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

I miss you my Friend.

Twenty-eight years ago we meet, you have been one of my "BRILLIANT" peers from that time on.... Always got a laugh & a smile from you with this: "When I grow up I want to be just like Joannie," me with all the bulk, you the "Master of Streamline" show setups & just the right things, too!!!
True you have been to your name sake St "Joan" of Arc, you have been both "BRAVE & STRONG" these past years, having earned God's wings, "Have your long needed rest on your wings soft feathers & rise, be...