Janet Murphy
April 18, 1929 - August 25, 2018
Obituary
MADISON/MIDDLETON-Heaven gained a ray of sunshine on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, as Janet Agnes (Shurr) Murphy joined her fellow angels. Born April 18, 1929, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Charles and Mayme Shurr, she had 89 years of a beautiful life and was just two days shy of celebrating her 69th wedding anniversary. To say Janet will be missed is an understatement; to have known her is a gift beyond measure.She married her high school sweetheart, Dickie Murphy, in 1949. After moving from Madison to Florida, Ohio, and then Michigan, the family moved back to Milwaukee in 1966 and settled in Elm Grove. Over the years, Janet and Dick had six children together. On Mother’s Day, 1971, Jane earned her B.A. in Education from Alverno College, with the Milwaukee Journal featuring her in cap and gown with all six kids by her side. Janet had a gift for finding the very best in each student and she embodied love and patience. She first taught at St. Joseph’s in Waukesha, then at St. Mary’s in Elm Grove. In 1976, Janet joined the staff of Our Lady Queen of Peace, where she worked until her retirement in 1998. Post “retirement” included stints as interim principal at St. Francis in Cross Plains and St. John the Baptist in Jefferson and she continued to substitute teach at Our Lady Queen of Peace well into her 70s.
Janet is survived by the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Murphy; sons, Patrick (Gerry) and Daniel; daughters, Kathleen (Glenn) Pentler, Erin (Greg) Marks and Colleen (David) Penwell; son-in-law, Ken (Kathy) Sadowski; sister, Nancy (Grant) Densing; brother, Richard Shurr; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and dozens of nieces and nephews. There are many important angels waiting to greet her in heaven, notably her daughter, Jane Sadowski; parents; sisters, Rosalie (Sr. Janet) and Audrey; in-laws, Maurice and Hazel Murphy; and several other close relatives.
The Murphy clan will always honor the spark and joy she brought to family gatherings, be it girls’ weekend shenanigans, her Christmas Day santa hat, or Memorial and Labor Day celebrations. The family has endless thanks for the compassionate staff at All Saints Assisted Living and for the gentle and insightful care from the Agrace Hospice team. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to “The Mighty Mrs. Murphy Scholarship” at Our Lady Queen of Peace School, which will be awarded annually to a graduating 8th grader who has shown high character and a positive attitude. A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave
608-831-6761
Events
Gathering
Thu Aug 30, 2018 @ 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church (Madison) • 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, WI null
Mass of Christian Burial
Thu Aug 30, 2018 @ 11:30 AM CDT
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church (Madison) • 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, WI null
Photos
No photos of Janet have been shared yet.
Memories
BW
Becky Wagner
Other •
Even though she was loved by so many students, I never got to really know her until the last few years. Such a joy it was working with Janet and seeing her love of life and energy touch all those around her. I will miss our visits and hearing about all her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Such a great loss for anyone who knew her. My sympathies to Dick and all her family.
JW
Jill Kammer Wozniczka
Other •
Mrs. Murphy was a wonderful teacher. She is one of the reasons why I became a teacher. She always had a hug for me and knew when I needed one. She believed in me. I'm blessed to have had her in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
ME
Mary Lynn Eichers
Other •
Aunt Janet was a true ray of sunshine whenever you saw her!🔆
LM
Linda Musial-Lintner
Other •
Rest in peace, dear Janet. I celebrate the years we began teaching together in 1976. We had many laughs, good times, and heartfelt talks. So glad I got to see you since I moved, popping in on my way into Madison to find you at lunch with former coworkers. I remember how you noticed how happy I was. I always admired your deep faith and unfailing positive attitude making the best of every situation. You were a light to many, and I will hold dear the times we shared. My condolences to Dick and family as you grieve and celebrate the life of this very special woman.
TE
Theresa and Brian Elliott
Other •
What a beautiful woman who desperately loved her family. Colleen, it was always so wonderful to see her and your father in church with the family, or at a sporting event cheering on the kids. A classy lady who was admired by so many. May she be wrapped in God's arms and know the joy of being in His home. Our condolences to your father, you, and the family.
MB
Mary Pat Brennan
Other •
I was blessed to have Aunt Janet in our family circle. She always had a warm sincere smile and a welcoming hug. She exemplified a strong Christian woman who loved her family and all who knew her. Condolences and love to the family.