Susan Z. Murphy

Susan “Sue” Murphy, 79, passed away peacefully in DePere, Wisconsin on January 24, 2026 with her sons, Brian and Christopher, lovingly by her side.

Born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Sue was a warm and kindhearted woman who brought out the best in others. Thoughtful and generous by nature, Sue helped people find hope and strength - often at moments when they needed it most.

Sue graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1968 with a degree in social work. She started her career as a case worker for Maryville Academy, a childcare organization in Chicago. She moved to Green Bay in 1972 where she was an active member of the community for over 50 years.

Sue spent the majority of her career as the Outplacement Director for the H.S. Group. For over 25 years she helped people navigate the trauma of job loss, get back on their feet, and find a new beginning. She was an extraordinarily humble woman who measured her success through the accomplishments of those she helped.

Sue was a devoted mother, beloved nana, and dear friend to so many. She had a rare gift for truly understanding people - making them feel seen, supported, and valued in both big and small ways. Fiercely independent and deeply resilient, she faced life’s challenges with quiet strength. Her warmth, laughter, and unmistakable smile had a way of lifting spirits and leaving people better than she found them.

Sue found her greatest joy in time spent with family and close friends. She created lasting memories through summer vacations in Mercer, birthday celebrations at Ballard Lake, and special family trips to Hawaii and Lake Tahoe. In recent years, she especially loved summers at Anvil Lake with Brian and his family, and extended visits to California to be with Christopher and his family.

She is survived by her sons and dear daughter in-laws, Brian and Michelle Murphy (Minnetrista, MN), and Christopher Murphy and Marisa Holubar (San Mateo, CA); and her four beloved grandchildren, Oliver and Campbell Murphy, and Adeleigh and Maxwell Murphy. She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Ramona Gillett, her brother, Rick Gillett, and her partner, Shannon Mahoney.

Sue’s life reminds us that the greatest gifts we can offer one another are presence, empathy, and courage. By helping others see the best in themselves, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on through all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Visitation will be held on January 31 from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. with a memorial service to follow from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Union Congregational Church at 716 S. Madison St, Green Bay, WI 54301.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (Wisconsin Chapter) and Unity Hospice Meng Residence.