Elizabeth "Betsy" Boyle Murphy

Elizabeth “Betsy” Boyle Murphy peacefully passed away on April 23, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born January 21, 1938, in Buffalo, NY, to Albert L. and Martha H. Edwards. She was the oldest of five children: Patsy, Joe, Ginny, and Jane Edwards. Growing up, she prided herself on being a loving older sister who was blessed with helping raise her younger siblings. Later, while attending Michigan State University, she met the love of her life, Edward Murphy, on a blind date. They married in 1961 in East Lansing, Michigan, and started a beautiful family of five children.

Betsy was best known for being dedicated to her family, her witty humor, and her honesty. She is remembered by her family for her love of figure skating, helping unwed mothers, amazing homemade meals, heirloom sewing, beautiful grandchildren, pool parties, and her love of fashion. In addition, she was deeply committed to her Catholic faith and a long-time parishioner of the Franciscan Renewal Center. Many parishioners knew her for attending daily mass with her Lab Lucky, hosting countless priests for dinner, and volunteering for any opportunity to help the Roman Catholic Community within Arizona, including her work with the Christ Child Society, Crozier Society dinners, and Mission of Mercy.

Betsy was predeceased by two of her children, Greg Murphy and Mary Lester, and is survived by her husband of 64 years, Dr. Ed Murphy, and three of her children, Meg (Max) Koss, Pam (Steve) Murphy Fry, and Kelly (Sam) Tolson, and her son-in-law Troy Lester, as well as 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

The family will be having a Mass to honor Betsy on May 22nd at 1:30 pm at the Franciscan Renewal Center.

"In lieu of flowers, please make online gifts in memory of Betsy Murphy, to the Dementia Society of America www.DementiaSociety.org/donate."

Or to the Franciscan Renewal Center https://www.thecasa.org/donate.