Joan E. Murphy

Joan E. Murphy, 78, of 31 Louise Street died Friday at home surrounded by her beloved family. Born on January 31, 1937 in Pittsfield, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Sophie Borkowski Duda. A lifelong resident of Pittsfield, she was educated in Pittsfield schools and was a 1954 graduate of Pittsfield High School. She was the recipient of the Ruth Nickelson Outstanding Woman Athlete award in 1954. She went on to attend Boston University's Sargent College for two years. For twenty-four years Joan was employed at General Electric in Pittsfield as a date entry clerk. She also spent several years employed with Berkshire Bank. She was a communicant of St. Joseph Church and a member of the Polish Community Club. With family holding her heart, Joan was filled most with joy by attending all of her children's sporting events while they were growing up. She also enjoyed knitting, cooking, attending the Tri-City Valley Cats baseball games, watching the Red Sox, Celtics and Polka Joes on television. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Joan is survived by her husband of 56 years, Thomas M. Murphy whom she married on November 29, 1958 at the former Holy Family Church. Daughters; Paula J. Keif , husband Chris, and their son Michael of Marshfield, MA ; Jamie B. Murphy and her daughter Nyiah Hill of Holiday, FL. Sons; Joseph T. Murphy, wife Sharon and their daughter Haylee of South Glastonbury, CT.; Richard J. Murphy, wife Jackie and their dog Bailey of Lanesboro, MA. A sister; Jackie Lemmerhirt and her husband Wayne, and their children; Ted and Melissa of Framingham, MA. She also leaves behind many family, friends and relatives. Joan was predeceased by a brother; Joseph Duda. The family of Joan would like to thank Hospice of Berkshire County and Home Instead Senior Care for all of their support through this difficult time. Special thanks to Dawn, Heidi, and Brenda. FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for Joan E. Murphy, 78, of Pittsfield who died March 20, 2015 will be held Tuesday at 8:45 AM from the DERY FUNERAL HOME in Pittsfield followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM at St. Joseph Church celebrated by the Rev. Monsignor Michael Shershanovich, pastor. Entombment will follow at St. Michael the Arch Angel Mausoleum at St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Monday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations in memory of Joan may be made to Jimmy Fund of the Berkshires in care of the funeral home, 54 Bradford St. Pittsfield, MA 01201.