Mary Lynn Murphy

Mary Lynn Murphy, age 79. Born on April 15, 1945, to Stanley J. and Mary Nelson of Minneapolis. Died of cancer on October 17, 2024. Mary is survived by her husband of 56 years, Edward (Mike) L. Murphy III, son Ryan Patrick Murphy, (Dr. Andy Hamp), daughter Mary O'Connell Murphy (James Notzen), brothers Jim Nelson (Judy Rossiter), Tom Nelson (Bette Nelson), Michael Nelson (Trisha Nelson), sister Stephanie Nelson (Troy Fliegal) and numerous beloved nephews and nieces, relatives, and friends.
Mary grew up in South Minneapolis, close to the Minnehaha Creek. It was a front stoop neighborhood, full of kids, where values of community shaped her years, then and beyond. Mary often said, "The 50s were good to me. I'm grateful for the life they provided me: grateful for parents who loved me, grateful for 56 years of marriage to the best guy I ever met, and grateful for the two children who never failed to inspire me." Mary's cadre of family and friends were a constant mainstay in her life. She recently shared, "they laughed at my jokes, and indulged my leftie politics." Mary was especially appreciative of her cohort in 40 years of justice causes: from women's and LGBTQ rights, to Occupy Wall Street, to today's on-going struggle to maintain democracy in America. She recalled, "we did some good work together and often made a difference. We should be proud of that." As her life drew to an end, Mary turned to the Healing Touch clinic in St. Paul, which she credits with teaching her alternative ways of looking at life and death. The Murphy family would like to thank Minnesota Oncology for Mary's healthcare and the Allina Hospice team and Home Instead for compassionately preparing Mary for her final journey. Mary wanted to be sure to include a final shout-out to the South Minneapolis Christ the King School, Class of 1959, "Go Crusaders!"
There will be a private interment for Mary at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, MN. Planning is also underway to celebrate Mary's life at a gathering for family and friends. In lieu of memorials, consider making a donation to Planned Parenthood.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Mary Lynn Murphy, please visit our floral store.