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Mary Murphy Obituary
Born to Patrick and Margaret Cosgrave, Mary grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and was a proud graduate of St. Joseph High School. In 1951, at a neighborhood dance, she met the love of her life, Walter J. Murphy. Walter, who had voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served honorably, proposed to Mary while on active duty. The couple married on May 17, 1958, at Our Lady of Refuge Church in Brooklyn, followed by a honeymoon at Strickland's Pocono Resort.
Shortly after their wedding, they welcomed their first daughter, Kathleen, followed soon by Jeanne. In the early years of their marriage, the family moved to a new development in Waldwick, New Jersey, where Mary and Walter became devoted parishioners of St. Luke's Church in Ho-Ho-Kus. Mary was an active member of the Rosary Society and served on the PTA for St. Luke's Elementary School. The family later grew with the arrival of twin daughters, Tara and Tricia.
Mary was the heart of her family- known for her steadfast dedication, deep loyalty, and boundless love for her husband and children. She delighted in her role as "Mom-Mom" to her grandchildren and was cherished by everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her four daughters and their families:
Kathleen Barthold (Scot) and their children Eileen Green (Larry), Scot Barthold (Amy), and Meghan Fanning (Michael)
Jeanne Shaw (Brian) and their daughter Bridget Shaw
Tara Fallotico (John) and their daughter Mary Kate McDermott (John)
Tricia Cinque (Andy) and their children Caitlyn Cinque and Ryan Cinque
Mary also leaves behind five great-grandchildren: Brandon Green, Kayleigh Green, Leah Barthold, Maya Barthold, and Shane Fanning.
A celebration of Mary's life will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at St. Luke's Church, 340 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423. Viewing will begin at 10:00am, followed by a Catholic Funeral Mass at 11:00am.
For more information, please visit:
www.churchofstluke.org
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mary's memory to St. Jude’s:
www.stjude.org
Mary will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the quiet strength, warmth, and love she brought to every life she touched.
2 Entries
Eileen and Family
February 4, 2026
Dear Tara and Trish,
We are so sorry to hear about your Mom (Mary).
Your Mom and your family are in our prayers.
How you can show support
Dottie Van Der Horn
February 2, 2026
Dear Tara and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. May wonderful memories carry you through these difficult days.
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