Melissa Ann Murphy

Melissa Ann Murphy was born to Barbara and Lance Lien on December 26, 1960, in Washington D.C. At a very early age, she became a believer in Jesus Christ.

Melissa lived in Adelphi, Maryland, where she graduated from Highpoint High School in 1978. At the age of 18, she moved to Southern California, and, in 1979, Melissa married Ralph Jicha. From that marriage, she mothered three beautiful children, Catherine Louise (now 19), Lance Christopher (now 14) and Mary Lou (now 12).

Melissa was dedicated to her children and loved them above all else. Her children will always remember how her soothing, motherly voice calmed them in any situation. Even when working full time, Melissa involved herself in school events, Girl Scouts, softball and other wonderful activities. As her children started to enter their teenage years, Melissa regularly hired detectives to keep track of them. She defined this as caring. Her children, however, did not share her sense of humor about this activity.

In her mid-thirties, Melissa returned to school at the University of Phoenix to complete her degree. When she came home with straight A’s, Melissa made it clear to her friends that she was living an example for her children to follow in their own schooling.

For most of her adult life and up until her passing, Melissa worked at Unocal/76 Products. She loved her work and treasured her many friends, but said she would not miss the working part.

Melissa had many talents, among them a lovely singing voice and the art of dancing, ranging from tap to jazz. During her teenage years, Melissa visited every area nursing home to give of her heart by dancing for the lonely. Melissa attempted to learn how to ski with such “Melissa-like” passion that she broke her leg. She then continued to be a really bad skier.

Her love for life included an adoration of all living animals. She volunteered her time at the local animal shelter, working to find homes for wayward cats and dogs. Her special adoption placements included a pig, a goat and even a hamster. Melissa also adopted several pets herself, and her family regularly had to ask how much cat and dog food to put on the weekly shopping list. The family finally made her promise that the animal count would never exceed the family head count. Although Melissa was not at all happy with the arrangement, it provided her with even more drive to find happy homes for her little ones.

In 1994, Melissa visited the Renaissance Faire with a friend. As they watched the parade, they impulsively decided to become part of it. By chance (or by divine intervention), David Murphy was carrying the drum Melissa decided to play. David was instantly infatuated. However, it was four months before Melissa finally agreed to a first date. In 1997, Melissa married David Sean Murphy, and the family continues to reside in Westlake Village to this day.

Melissa’s family and friends knew her as a free-spirited, happy person with a passion for life. She was caring, generous, loving, independent and strongly assured. Melissa’s family and friends will remember her forever.

In June of 1999, Melissa was re-baptized in the faith, as a public symbol of her belief in the Saviour.

In the presence of loved ones at her home, on Wednesday evening, September 22, 1999, Melissa Ann Murphy was delivered to her Saviour, where she will live on in eternity.
…and all of God’s people said, “Amen!”
FUNERAL SERVICES

Family received friends on Monday, September 27, 1999, noon until time of services at 1 p.m., at Ft. Lincoln's Little Church, 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, Maryland.