Janet Murphy Obituary

Janet Murphy, mother of John, Kathy, and Leslie, and grandmother of Joe, Hillary, Maximilian, Hannah, Drew, and Matthew,passed away at 2:00am on Saturday, August 13, 2011. She was born on November 12, 1941, in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania to William and Eleanor Jermyn. Her great grandfather, John Jermyn, came to Scranton, Pennsylvania from England and was a successful coal miner. This was carried on byher grandfather, Edmund B. Jermyn, former mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and father, William Jermyn, who also served in WorldWar I. She was a member of the Daughter's of the American Revolution, tracing her heritage to the founding of the United States.One of her great loves was horses, growing up with them in Pennsylvania, even bringing her horse to the Grier School, in Tyron,Pennsylvania, where she was president of the senior class. She maintained a special connection to horses and always looked forward to the Palos Verdes Horse Show each year. She moved to Los Angeles with her husband, John Murphy, in 1965, who passed away in 1989. The Murphy family raised their children at the Portuguese Bend Club in Palos Verdes, California where they enjoyed the beach life. Jan was very involved in the life of the community and shares many good times with her friends. Her interests included playing Mah Jongg, paddle tennis, being out in the sun and anything that would bring together friends. Mrs. Murphy is survived by her older brother Bill, who is 76 and still lives in Pennsylvania; her son, John, his wife Michelle, and children Joseph,Hillary, Drew; daughter, Kathleen, her husband Gary, and children Maximilian, 19, Hannah, 17; and daughter, Leslie and her son Matthew, 6. Her body will be cremated and her ashes spread below the sun and on the water along the beaches that brought her peace throughout her life in California.

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Published by Palos Verdes Peninsula News on Aug. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Janet Murphy

9 Entries

Joan Jenkins

August 9, 2012

John,Kathy, & Leslie,
I am so sad to hear that my dear friend passed away. She was a wonderful lady so kind and thoughtful. We shared many memories together. I was a neighbor of your grandparents when we lived on the Jermyn Estate in Clarks Summit. Your father was a good friend of my husband Richard. Please email me I would like to share some memories with you.

August 24, 2011

August 24, 2011

Our family was blessed when we met Jan who was our dog sitter for many years. She was someone whom we enjoyed, trusted and laughed with. Our little dogs Claire and Peggy will, as well as their parents, truly miss Jan's lovely nature. On one visit, she cleaned the bathroom with bleach and mistakenly walked over the rug and left her foot print. Who would ever think how important that rug is to us now. Her flowers left for our return on every dog visit were always welcomed. She will always be missed and loved by this family.

Heidi, Larry, Claire and Peggy Spangler-Leveque, Redondo Beach, California

Duffy Brierley

August 23, 2011

I enjoyed Jan's company for over 15 years on the Esplanade. I liked her humor and we had the same viewpoints on a lot of stuff. I remember her bird up in her penthouse apt. Appreciated her advice over the years, especially sharing moments while doing laundry in the garage. Will miss seeing the flag on her car. She was a good neighbor and friend. Condolences to the entire family. Duffy Brierley

Gail Brierley

August 23, 2011

Very sad to hear of Jan's passing. I got to meet Jan 5 years ago when I married her neighbor, Duffy. She was a great neighbor on the Esplanade. She was a very kind woman who always offered to help. Will miss her smiling face. Know she's with our heavenly father. My condolences to Jan's family.

Vicki Schoenfeld

August 21, 2011

A mother's love never dies & you can all count on Jan sending sunshine from heaven to the family she was so proud of. Jan had a great smile & friendly way that instantly made people comfortable. She was always fun to talk with, letting her sunny personality cheer you up. That's how I'll remember Jan. She will be missed. Sincerest sympathy to all who loved her.

Judy Mitchell

August 19, 2011

I also enjoyed getting to know Jan at Curves in the afternoons. We had shared many fun conversations. Very sorry to hear of her passing. She will be missed by the afternoon Curves ladies.

August 19, 2011

I met Jan at the South End Club a number of years ago, on a lounge chair under the sun, of course. She exuded thoughtfulness and kindness, and was fun to be around all the time. I will miss exchanging recipes and jokes with her. It won't be the same at poolside without her. She was "queen of the sunshine". My condolences to your family at such a sad time.

God bless,
Jackie Kraft

Jeanne Caulfield

August 19, 2011

I enjoyed getting to know Jan over the past few months on Thursday afternoon at "Curves" - sharing stories and laughs. I was so sorry to learn that she was sick and then of her passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Jeanne Caulfield

August 19, 2011

I wanted to tell you that I personally did know Janet, but I would see Janet every summer down at the beach enjoying the warm sun and looking tan and happy. I wondered about your mother a few weeks ago, and I am so sad to read of her passing. She sounds like an amazing lady who will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you'r family during this very difficult time.
Dannielle

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