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Lisa Maureen Murphy

Lisa Murphy Obituary

MURPHY, LISA MAUREEN 1958 to 2004 Lisa Maureen Murphy lost her valiant battle with cancer on May 11. She was an extraordinary woman, a dear and devoted friend, a caring and giving sister and loving daughter. Giggly, mischievous, generous, courageous, compassionate, unpretentious, and endowed with her own special noble integrity. She embraced life fully and valued every moment as it came to her. She was oblivious to criticism and able to dance to her own melody. She loved without the confines of this world, without reason or remorse, without care whether she was loved back in the same manner, and with the courage to know that it is the unseen in this human condition that is vital. Those of us that knew her will be forever enriched by the gift of her love. Without her, colors are a bit duller and the sun doesn't feel as warm. A donation to the Foundation for Women, San Diego, in Lisa's name would honor her and be greatly appreciated. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on May 18, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Lisa Murphy

Sponsored by our love of Lisa.

18 Entries

Kevin Ring

May 12, 2025

Missing you Lisa. <3

G'Andre R

May 10, 2021

I miss you so very much I look at your photos on the fire place and our surfing days together our boating and vollyball days and our hangouts in La Jolla. Hoe you loved my Lasagna or (Arroz con Pollo Spain) style. Our years of unconditional love and the love of cats and specially Sir Sebastian too. How you loved music and our beloved David Bowie and Hal Ketchum your dancing for hours and hours thru the nights. How you liked the chocolate shakes and hero sandwiches on the beach. Everyone felt so alive even though your heart at times was heavy around the Holidays we always found a way to do something different or cut my hair by your hands. You were my hero how I wish you were here. You departed too young and how you suffered in the end which broke many hearts. Your smile which embraced across the city and the miles. Thank you for your love you are missed every single day. See you some time remember to save me a spot on the swing. Love you babycakes God Bless you. Love Gloria Andre R.

gloria andre ruiz

December 1, 2007

I miss you Murphy, you were the inspiration in my life, I remember our surfing days, our long submarines or laughter and bike rids. I miss you and love you so much and talk to you and Mom each and everyday.. I know Sebastian recieved you with open arms...
i love you so much, i miss you and Mommy is missed to. kisses me
GAR in Arizona

Dean Morris

May 15, 2006

So another year has passed...Its May and the Jacarandas are blooming. Their color will always remind me of Lisa. Her memory continues to guide and inspire me to greater strength and compassion in life...an everlasting gift. Lisa pops in when I least expect but most need it.

I still have a hard time explaining who she was to those who didn't know her...words can't quite get there...and I continue to meet folks who did know her, she touched so many.

Love and miss you sweetie,

Dean

Frazier Sullivan

May 12, 2005

My sweet sister Lisa,

It is almost impossible for me to grasp that yesterday marked a year since you went to Heaven. There isn't a day that goes by that you aren't spending time with me in my heart.

I know you are with me...watching out for me, crying with me, and laughing with me (and at me too sometimes, I'm sure).

The colors in my life aren't quite as bright as they were when you were here.

I miss you like crazy and love you always....Frazier

Dean Morris

May 11, 2005

Lisa,

It was one year ago today that you left this world. My memories of you will live on forever. I will always miss you so very much.

Love, Dean.

Donna Gelao

September 3, 2004

Lisa came into my life in 1989 and I feel that I was truly blessed on that day. I began working at the Sheraton Hotel on Harbor Island in San Diego. Lisa was the "Income Auditor" I was the Admin in accounting. The two of us were as different as night and day but some how we became fast friends. I am fortunate to have been able to share so much time with her over the years. Never once did she complain about how terrible life had been to her because of the cancer. She always accepted what cards were dealt to her no matter what the results...even towards the end she was amazing. She taught me how to enjoy life and be happy with what you are given. She encouraged me to better myself in school and was always there for me whenever I called. Most importantly it was through Lisa that I came to honestly know Jesus as my friend and personal Savior. It is an honor to have been called her friend...I cry to this day because of her loss not only to me but to so many others. I can't believe that I cannot pick up the telephone and hear her funny little giggle telling me about her day...I miss her so much but I know that Lisa is in a much happier place...I thank God that she no longer has to endure the pain and suffering the way she did for so many years.

We can all rejoice as friends of Lisa that she is now home with Jesus where she wanted to be. I personally long for the day when we will meet again in Heaven.

And from our very own Lisa:

"I hope that God is blessing your day."

Lani Pascual

September 2, 2004

I also want to send my condolences to lisa's family and friends. I knew lisa from oncology @ kaiser also and she was someone who taught me how to smile and be happy always. No matter how sick she was, she always was joking and laughing with me. She will be deeply missed.

Frazier Sullivan

July 7, 2004

My mostest bestest sister Lisa,

I picked up the phone last week to tell you I was stopping at the store on the way home and did we need anything. My tears fell as they are falling now when it dawned on me that I can't call you anymore...I'm not able able to jabber away with you about my day...or remind you not to watch 'our' soap until I get home so we can giggle together. I miss you more than I can ever express.

Keep a spot for me in Heaven and please meet me at the Gates so I'll see a face I love when I get there.

I love you lots and lots.

Rina Gressett

June 9, 2004

I wanted to send my condolences to Lisa's friends and family. Our loss is definitely Heaven's gain! I knew Lisa from the Oncology Dept at Kaiser Permanente(I was a Service Rep)and she made a very lasting impression on me as she did everyone she seemed to come in contact with! I will always remember her as sweet, funny, giggly and bubbly! Last year, she gave everone in our department a small flowering plant to wish us a "Happy Spring"! Everytime I walk by that plant will think of Lisa and remember her smile and contagious little giggle!

Dean Morris

June 2, 2004

I’ve been at a loss for words to describe Lisa. Were I to pick only one it’d be LOVE. Lisa radiated love as big and bright as the sun. Lisa loved life, loved her friends, just embraced it all with all of her huge heart. That’s the wonderful memory I’ll carry with me always, a memory that’s far greater than any pain or sadness from loss and a memory that fills the emptiness I’ve felt. I am truly blessed to have known and loved her.

Lori Parry

May 26, 2004

How is it possible to put mere words on paper in order to honor a life? Lisa was more than my friend; she was a mentor, a big sister, a confidante, and a jibber-jabber phone buddy. If I string enough letters together to form words and words to form sentences, will I be able to convey the ability she had to affect our lives? I will try and come close but somehow the intangibles may slip through my grasp. I want to share with everyone my experience of Lisa so that together we may create a quilt of our memories. I know when I am missing her most; I will wrap myself in those shared pieces of our hearts and feel the warmth of the love she gave to us all.

Dianne Milford

May 26, 2004

I only met Lisa once, but felt like I knew her forever. She was so sweet and even towards the end of her battle, she graciously met me and enjoyed a session of show and tell after I attended a current bead show. From the stories her sister, Frazier shared with me, I think Lisa and I could have easily been great friends and gotten into a lot of mischief together. It is my loss that I didn't get to experience her friendship firsthand.

Therese Wunderlich

May 19, 2004

My deepest sympathy to all of Lisa's family and friends. I worked with Lisa years ago at the Sheraton Harbor Island Hotel and I always admired her free spirit and love of adventure. Even though I lost contact with Lisa, I ran into her a couple of years ago and she updated me on her health situation. I was amazed at how upbeat she was as she explained to me that she embraced life one day at a time and put her faith in God. I walked away feeling truly humbled and realized what an incredible person she was. Lisa taught me a lot and her passing leaves me with an incredible sense of sadness.

Viola Symonds

May 19, 2004

Lisa, I only knew of you through your sister...You will truly be missed. May you shine as bright up in heaven as you were when you were with your friends/family.

Gary, Julie & Chloe Bagnull

May 18, 2004

I've produced an awful lot of words over the years, but I don't know if any combination could do Lisa justice. "Unique, loving, loyal, valiant, courageous, giving, inspiring, quirky, beautiful, tenacious and statuesque", are probably used to describe a lot of wonderful women, but just so this one stands out in your mind, try a 6' brunette with 14" biceps and a Harley, covered with tattoos of flowers and birds, graced with the voice and heart of an angelic child, and fortified with the strength of her Christian convictions, who I never saw back down from anything or anyone; not bullies, not management, not Cancer. When Cancer came knocking, she gave her usual answer, "I hope you brought your lunch, because I ain't going down easy". She made that cursed disease fight her for 13 years before she accepted her call from Jesus. Our loss is Heaven's gain. Maybe by her friends and family pulling together, we can somehow diminish the big gaping hole that her departure has created; maybe some, but not enough. Best wishes to you all.

Kevin Ring

May 18, 2004

I met Lisa in 1984 while working at the Sheraton Harbor Island. Not too long after that, financial situations for both of us made it practical to become roommates in Pt. Loma.

She remained a dear friend from then on. I was able to visit her within the past six months, and she gave me a book on bodybuilding that I'd given her almost 20 years ago for her birthday. It will always have a treasured place in my house, and my memories of her will always have a special place in my heart.

Lisa, I know you are very spiritual and know that you are amongst other loved ones now. Cheer them up as you have cheered us!

April Key

May 18, 2004

Lisa touched my life so deeply. She taught me to live in the moment and accept love without questioning its motive.

She will be with me when I watch sunsets, hear country music, or feel a puppy's kiss.

She is no longer here to wiggle and giggle, but her spirit will always be alive in the people she touched.

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