Obituary of Kathleen T. Murphy

Kathleen T. Murphy (Long)

    12/29/40 - 5/15/22

The world lost our beloved mother, Kathleen Theresa Murphy (Long), on May 15, 2022 to cancer.  Mom was our rock, and we will miss her terribly.  Even when she was sick, Mom was always there to ask us about our day and have a laugh together.  Mom loved her life, and more importantly, the people in it. We were beside her in the ICU when she passed away.  

She is predeceased by our loving father, Thomas Murphy, who passed just 3 short months ago from Alzheimer's. Mom and Dad were married for 61 years, and in that time, they had many adventures together- including having 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and many dogs and other pets. Mom grew up in Marshfield, MA, and after marrying Dad, they lived in Whitman, MA, then Kingston, MA, and in 1993, they moved to Sarasota, FL for 25 years. They spent their final years closer to family in Carver, MA.  

She will be forever loved by her family- daughter Laureen Gallagher, and her husband Paul; their daughter Colleen Leyden, and husband Daniel; their son Thomas Gallagher and his wife Kristin; and their daughter Brianna Gallagher; daughter Lisa Black, and her husband Jim, and their three children, Elise, Seamus and Lauren; son David Murphy; and daughter Suzanne McCullough, her husband Rob, and their two children, Sydney and Will; and lastly, her sister Ann Pecoraro and brother Bob Long.  

Mom was always on the go, and was never afraid to try something new. She was an avid golfer; playing with Dad and friends for 40 years– even playing in Ireland. She was a whiz at cards, step aerobics, and, notably, a master seamstress.  She sewed, stitched and crafted friendships that lasted over six decades in both Whitman and Rocky Nook in Kingston, where she would spend endless beach days. She would take this tradition with her to Florida in her time on Siesta Key Beach. 

Mom wore many hats– hairdresser, school bus driver, bookkeeper, HR manager, etc., but her most important title was the one her grandchildren knew her by–Noni. Mom’s relationship with each grandchild was truly special.  She would light up when one of them called, sent a funny text or came through the door.  Mom attended their concerts, school plays, hockey games, and would gush to each of them about how incredible they were. Most recently she traveled to Denver to see her granddaughter Lauren in her final opera recital at the University of Denver.  The love that is shared between Noni and her eight amazing grandchildren was a blessing to everyone. She was the smartest and savviest woman we ever knew, so we know she’ll find a way to see what they will all do with their lives. 

If you knew Mom, you were loved by her.  She surrounded herself with the best people– and she always let you know it.

Visiting hours will be held at Shepherd’s Funeral Home at 116 Main Street Carver, MA 02330, on Friday, May 20th, 2022 from 2:00 - 4:00 and a memorial service to follow, from 4:00-5:00.     

Memorial Donations may be made in Kathleen Murphy’s name to https://www.cancer.org/