Mary Eugenia Murphy

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Eugenia Murphy announces her entrance into the presence of the Lord on November 8th, 2025, at the age of 93. She passed away peacefully at Pleasant Valley Healthcare Center in Mason County, West Virginia. She was a devoted follower of Christ and a faithful servant of the Lord. She was known for her work as a Eucharistic Minister and Choir Member at St. Louis Catholic Church in Gallipolis, Ohio Under Father Myers and her work at McCoy-Moore Funeral Home.

Mary "MaryJean" Eugenia Bussan Murphy was born on November 30th, 1931, in Galena, Illinois, to Wilbur Herman Bussan and Josephine Loretta Dalsing. She grew up on the family farm of which she has many fond memories.

In 1952 Mary received her Bachelor’s Degree in Math & Science from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa. In 1953 She secured a job as a Labtech at Ravenna Arsenal. In 1954 she worked as a Chemist in the analytical laboratory of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio. While working for Firestone she met Robert Murphy on a blind date who was an employee at BFGoodrich Tire and Rubber Company. They got along famously as Robert would say, and the rest is history.

Mary married the love of her life, Robert Murphy, on November 6, 1954, and had 7 children in the next 13 years. They would have celebrated their 64th Wedding Anniversary in the year of his passing.

She was a proud resident of Akron, Ohio for over 40 years, raising 6 kids and seeing that we were all brought up in the Catholic faith as members of St. Sebastians Catholic Church just two blocks from the family home. In 1984 upon Robert's retirement they moved to Vinton, Ohio to enjoy the country lifestyle.

Mary was a talented and prolific seamstress, known for creating beautiful garments and keepsakes for her loved ones. Whether it was meticulously crafting bridesmaids' dresses for her sister, delicate baby clothes, tailoring bespoke dresses, or diligently mending Father Myers liturgical vestments. Her crafts and creations were cherished by family and friends, becoming tangible expressions of her love and care. Many will fondly remember receiving her thoughtful, handmade gifts, each a unique reflection of her artistry like the Evil Knievel Suit she crafted for her then young son Kevin.

Mary was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and generosity. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy in life.

In addition to her Spouse Robert Murphy and Parents, Mary was predeceased by her sisters Doris, Norma and Linda; brothers Roger and Maurice; Daughters, Kathleen, Coleen and Bridget; Grandson Victor and Son-in-Laws Stacey, David and Robert.

Mary will be lovingly remembered by her 4 surviving Siblings: Carolyn, Janet, Ralph and Paula. Mary will also be lovingly remembered and missed by her 4 surviving children: Sr. Mary, Maureen, Patti (Eddie) and Kevin (Laurie). Mary will also be fondly remembered by her 16 Grandchildren: Shane, Clint, Samantha, Ian, Lena, Jacqueline, Joseph, Joshua, Geremy, Charles, Zachary, Tyler, Kevin, Ethan, Blaine, Carey-lee and by her 22 Great-Grandchildren: Austin, Halie, John, Kiesla, Jacob, Adam, Isabel, Lillian, Abbygail, Rylie, Jayona, Dylan, Solomon, Miles, Matilda, Patrick, Madison, Ollie, Isaac, Bodhi, Berkley and Jaxon and by her 5 Great-Great-Grandchildren: Oliver, Amelia, Miley, Asherah and Azrael. Mary will also be sadly missed by her best friend Kathryn Sigler.

Friends and family may come for Visitation at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis, Wednesday November 12th from 5:00-8:00 PM.

Funeral Mass will be conducted at 10:00 AM Thursday, November 13, 2025, in the St. Louis Catholic Church, Gallipolis, Ohio with Father Hamm officiating. Burial will follow at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery, Gallipolis, Ohio.

In lieu of floral arrangements, please consider a donation in Mary’s Memory to Pleasant Valley Health Care Center Activity Fund 640 Sandhill Road Pt. Pleasant WV 25550

This memorial is lovingly written by Mary’s Family for the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home.