Lori Anne Murphy

The world lost the most beautiful soul, both inside and out, on August 16, 2025, when Lori Anne Murphy passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving husband and three daughters. For three years, Lori faced ovarian cancer with extraordinary courage and grace, never once thinking of herself, only of her family. Her sole concern was ensuring that her husband, daughters, and grandchildren would be okay. She fought valiantly for them, never complaining, embodying strength, selflessness, and unwavering love.

Lori's laugh and radiant smile could light up any room. She had a remarkable way of making everyone around her feel special, bringing a calm and loving nature to every interaction, even with people she had just met. She quickly became someone you simply wanted to be around all the time. Her joy came from seeing those around her happy; she wanted for nothing herself.

Lori is survived by her devoted husband, Patrick; her daughters Lyndsay (Michael) McDonald, Haley (Patrick) Wight, and Kathryn (Peter) Nyznyk; and her cherished grandchildren Maddie and Emma McDonald, Olivia and Ronan Wight. She is also survived by her mother, Gwen Brandt; siblings Debbie (Chris) Cesena, Terri (Kent) Lawson, Sheri (Jerry) Boyle, and Rick Brandt; her father-in-law Thomas Murphy, brothers-in-law Tom (Annie) Murphy, Kevin Murphy; sister-in-law Laura Murphy as well as extended Brandt and Murphy family members and countless lifelong friends throughout the Bay Area. She was preceded in death by her father, Rick Brandt; her mother-in-law, Katharine Murphy; and sisters-in-law Mary Murphy-Piro and Annie Murphy; her brother-in-law Frank Calfas and her niece Tara Murphy.

Born on October 10, 1961, in San Francisco, Lori attended St. Paul's and St. Thomas More grammar schools before graduating from Mercy High School, Class of 1979. Shortly after, she became a registered dental assistant and worked in practices throughout the Bay Area and San Diego.

In 1983, Lori met the love of her life, Patrick Murphy, and the two married on September 7, 1985. They began their life together in Petaluma before settling in Novato, where they spent 31 years raising their three daughters. Lori's family was her greatest focus; her unwavering love, sacrifice, and selfless dedication to them created a beautiful environment for them to succeed and thrive.

In keeping with her desire to support her family, Lori convinced Pat to make the move to Carlsbad to be closer to her daughters and their families. She created a beautiful home that became the heart of family gatherings, filled with laughter, dinners, and celebrations. Lori especially cherished evenings at the beach with Pat and their dogs, Finley and Louie, watching the sunset at her happy place. She also loved family vacations to Tahoe and Maui, creating treasured traditions and memories that will live on for generations.

To her family, Lori will always be remembered as a beautiful wife, loving mother, adoring "Nana," incredible cook, gracious hostess, and above all, a truly wonderful person. Her strength, courage, and grace will forever inspire those who loved her.

We will miss her forever, but her love will live on in us and through us, always.

A Memorial Mass will be held for Lori on Monday, September 15, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 1 Elmwood Drive, Daly City, CA 94015. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (https://ocrahope.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/make-a-donation/) or the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation (https://www.sffcpf.org/).