Shirley Ann Murphy

Shirley Ann Murphy, 96, passed peacefully on March 4th, 2026. She was born February 2nd, 1930, to her late parents Mary Elizabeth (Draddy) and James Murphy, who immigrated to the US from Ballycotton, Ireland. Shirley lived in Ireland for many years and was very proud of her heritage. Shirley endured a life of heartbreak, losing her husband Joseph Murphy after a long illness at the age of 51, leaving her a single parent to 4 young children. Predeceased by her eldest child Maureen Murphy, born with special needs, they shared an unbreakable bond. The two loved visiting friends over "Mo's" love of diet coke, donuts and music. Survived by her devoted son, Daniel Joseph Murphy and his wife Olena, Danny drove her crazy with his bottomless energy, quick wit, constant drumming and athletic prowess. Her daughter and closest confidante Kathy Murphy Rosenthal and her husband Phil, traveled the world together, enjoying summers on Block Island and beyond. She lost her youngest son Joey Murphy, a gifted comedy writer and loyal friend, to cancer at the age of 31. A wound which never healed, her wish was to be buried together.

Shirley was grandmother "G" to Emily Murphy Rosenthal, Em was her light, her buddy, theirs was a very special bond. She was "grandma Shirls" to Matthew Joseph Murphy and his wife Whitney and great-grandmother "GiGi" to their beautiful sons Jack, Dillon and Henry Murphy. Shirley never lost her light, sharing her wisdom, her love of travel, shoes, and the perfect vodka tonic with lemon. Her smile and laughter filled their home with warmth and chaos, theirs was the house in the neighborhood where kids wanted to be. The Morgan Point beach house was often filled to the brim with family and friends. Her family would like to thank Moira McCormick, her devoted caretaker who became a dear friend and visited her regularly at the Willows. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, March 11th at 11:30am at All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Ave, North Haven. Family and friends are welcome to share fond memories of Shirley.