NICOLE LEIGH MURPHY

MURPHY NICOLE LEIGH MURPHY Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 16, 2010 at a 2:00 PM Mass of Christian Burial in Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist for Nicole Leigh Murphy, age 24, whose journey on earth ended June 16, 2010. Nicole was enjoying the trip of a lifetime in South Africa, attending one of her many passions, soccer, when she was struck by a drunk driver while walking home, on a pedestrian pathway, with two of her siblings. Interment will be in St. John Mausoleum. Reverend O. Joseph Breaux, Pastor of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Maurice, LA will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the Funeral Services. Nicole is survived by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Charles Murphy; three sisters: Danielle Murphy, Kellie Murphy and Lauren Murphy Smith and her husband Jeremy Smith; two brothers: Brian Murphy and Lucas Murphy; her maternal grandparents: Mr. and Mrs. Walter Rebouché of Bunkie, LA; her paternal grandmother, Mary Patricia Murphy of Baton Rouge, LA; a numerous amount of loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; and two energetic dogs, Xander and Jackson. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Donald Paul Laborde of Bunkie, LA and Charles Joseph Murphy of Lake Charles, LA. Nicole was born in Lafayette, LA on December 22, 1985. She attended Cathedral Carmel School and graduated from St. Thomas More Catholic High School in 2004. As a Saint Thomas More multi sport athlete, she gained recognition as the first female at STM to earn All State in three sports; Cross Country, Track and Soccer. Accepting an academic and soccer scholarship she went on to attend the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida, where she pursued her dream of playing collegiate soccer. Nicole was a four-year starter for the Tampa Spartans and played a significant part in capturing the Division II NCAA National Championship in 2008. After graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, she was accepted into LSU Medical School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Once returning to her home state and among several extracurricular activities, she successfully completed two years of medical school and was ecstatic about beginning her 3rd year, involving clinical rotations. Nicole was adventurous; she woke up each morning with the intention of seizing the day. She loved to travel, and did so as frequently as possible. She visited numerous places; the Bahamas, France, Italy, Costa Rico, Japan and finally, South Africa, where she spent her last days here on earth. Nicole was also fond of the beach, and a certified scuba diver. On the contrary, another love was snow skiing. She also enjoyed the rush from skydiving and was working on jumping solo, as opposed to tandem. Nicole remained in impeccable shape, exercising on a regular basis; running, swimming, or biking. She participated in multiple triathlons and on a whim, entered and completed a marathon, with a time that qualified her to run in the Boston Marathon. She proudly served as a member of the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant, Army Medical Corp. In no way can words describe how much she will be missed and, more importantly, never forgotten. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Smith, Michael Rebouché, Scotty Venable, Nicholas Riché, Derek Juneau, Tyler Juneau, Frank Murphy and Chris Murphy. The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's SOUTHSIDE, FARREL ROAD, location on Thursday, July 15, 2010 from 12:00 NOON to 9:00 PM and on Friday, from 9:00 AM until time of service. A Rosary will be prayed Thursday at 7:00 PM in Martin & Castille Funeral Home. The family would like to thank the overwhelming, support, love and continued prayers from, not only Lafayette Parish, but also, the entire state of Louisiana, as well as, numerous families from across the United States. The support is a true testament to the individual Nicole was on this earth. She touched the lives of each person who had the fortune of knowing her. View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com Martin & Castille-SOUTHSIDE, 600 E. Farrel Road, Lafayette, LA 70508, 337-984-2811.