Barbara A. Murphy

Barbara A. Murphy, 94 of Gloucester died Thursday, September 18, 2025. Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Catherine (Tracy) Paul. She was the beloved wife of the late Paul R. Murphy. She will be remembered for her laughter, creativity, courage and especially her love for family and friends.
Barbara had fond memories of growing up in a close-knit Irish Dorchester neighborhood. She excelled at book-keeping, starting her career at Sears in Boston right out of high school. She occasionally snuck out of work to attend a Red Sox game with her mom, down the street at Fenway Park. In her later years, she worked in Gloucester at the Empire Clothing Store, Gorton's Seafood and the Gloucester Housing Authority. Barbara's love of numbers was displayed through her passion for gambling; family and friends kept her stocked in lottery tickets and ensured the wait between casino trips was brief. Barbara enjoyed travel, especially to Las Vegas, but also to Florida, Ireland and cruises to warm climates. Barbara loved cooking and sharing her dishes with family and friends. Her specialties included Mexican Lasagna and pies of all kinds. Friends and family will remember her creativity as a knitter and a crafter. Her Christmas light creations were loved by all lucky enough to receive one.
Barbara is survived by her sons Paul Murphy of Gloucester, Kevin Murphy and his partner Debbie Nicastro of Gloucester, Bob Murphy and his wife Mary of Beverly, and daughter Kathleen Murphy of Gloucester. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kevin Murphy (wife Marie), Kellen Murphy, Alyssa Gigliotti (husband James), Marc Buotte (wife Caitlin), Joey Allen, Jenna Murphy, Kristen Cusumano, and Ryan Cusumano. Surviving great-grandchildren include Meghan (Murphy) Psalidas (husband Nico), Caleb Murphy, Amber Rose Murphy, Tripp Buotte, Bo Buotte and many others. Surviving great-great-granddaughters include Makenna and Natalia Psalidas. Barbara is also survived by many nieces, nephews and their families. The family would like to thank her close friend Roseann, and her many caregivers at Pace who provided such good care.
She was predeceased by her brother Francis Paul, her sister Mary McCusker and her granddaughter Jill Allen.
A funeral service for Barbara will be held at Campbell Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester, on Wednesday, October 1st at 4:30 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held prior from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Information, directions and condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, buy a scratch ticket or put some money in a slot machine. Win or lose, smile and think of Barbara, our sweet Irish one-of-kind spitfire.