Theresa Lorraine ‘Laurie’ Murphy

Founding Member St Rose Of Lima Women’s Club

Theresa Lorraine “Laurie” Murphy, 78, of Newtown died unexpectedly, while on vacation in St Pete Beach, Fla., January 29. Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, she was the eldest daughter of Dorothy (Burns) and William Long.

Following high school graduation, she worked for the Canadian Department of National Defense at HMCS Shearwater in her native province. She then accepted a position with the Canadian Joint Staff in Washington, D.C. It was there that she met Joseph P. Murphy, her future husband and love of her life.

The Murphys lived in Alexandria, Va., and Danville, Calif., before settling in Newtown with their son, Sean.

She was employed as an insurance adjuster at Heritage Village for many years, and in retirement she worked at Chintz ’n’ Prints in Newtown.

A woman of great faith, Laurie was a dedicated member of St Rose of Lima Parish. She was active in many parish groups and activities, and was a founding member of the Women’s Club. A gifted and creative seamstress, Laurie applied her talents to parish needs and made wedding, graduation, and christening dresses for her sisters and nieces.

She was active in the Little Theatre, both as an actress and in costume design and creation.

Laurie was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Joseph P. Murphy, her parents, a sister in infancy, brother-in-law Danny MacIsaac and sister-in-law Barbara Long. Her son Sean and his wife Joann of Southbury; brother Frank and his wife Hilda of Kingston, Ontario; brothers Jim and Bill of Halifax, Nova Scotia; sisters and brothers-in-law Dorothy and Jim Dorrington, Halifax; Rita and Frank Pottie, Dartmouth, N.S.; and Bette MacIsaac, Wilmot, N.S.; and many nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews (and grand puppy) survive Mrs Murphy.

A celebration of her life and Mass of Christian Burial took place February 7 in St Rose of Lima Church. Interment was in St Rose Cemetery.

Honan Funeral Home, Newtown, was in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to St Rose of Lima Memorial Fund, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470.

The Newtown Bee        February 10, 2012