Obituary of Kathryn Murphy

Kathryn (“Kay”) Mary LaBar Murphy, 86, of Warren, RI, former longtime resident of Halifax, MA, died peacefully in her sleep with family by her side on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at Grace Barker Health Center in Warren, RI.

Kay was predeceased by her sister Jean (LaBar) Patterson, Jean’s husband Robert J. Patterson, her brother Harvey and his wife Rose M. (Pucci) LaBar, her sister-in-law Carol (Ericson) LaBar, wife of Francis “Jack” LaBar, and her granddaughter Rachel Murphy.

Survivors include husband of 58 years, Francis “Frank” Murphy; son Stephen (Jorge) of Swansea, MA; son Vincent “Bing” (Robin) of Canton, CT, daughter Stephanie of Portland, OR, son Francis “Frank” (Elisa) of Millville, MA; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren; her brother Francis “Jack” LaBar of FL; along with several nieces and nephews.

Kay was born in 1936 in Albany, NY, the fourth child and second daughter of the late Chester and Margaret (O’Brien) LaBar of Mechanicville, NY. After graduating from High School, Kay worked several years in the insurance and hospitality industries.

Sixty years ago she met her future husband Frank while working at the landmark Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, NH. In 1964, Kay and Frank married and eventually settled in Halifax, MA where they raised four children together. Kay was a devout Catholic, an active member of Our Lady of the Lake Church Parish, an avid golfer, a police matron and 911 dispatcher.

In 2003 after Frank’s retirement, Kay and Frank traveled the country several times in their RV, as well as trips to Ireland and Scotland. Their favorite stops in their RV were their daughter Stephanie’s home in Portland, OR, as well as Dollywood, historical sites and any fun casino. Kay and Frank said they’ll always “Remember the Alamo” because of their fender bender with their RV in the parking lot of the Alamo. They also loved meeting fellow travelers in various RV parks around the country.

Many of Kay’s biggest joys were holiday gatherings with the extended family around their big dining room table, and with friends and neighbors dropping by. She always loved the first snowfall each year because it reminded her of her childhood in upstate New York.

Kay will be remembered by many for her exceedingly giving nature. Whenever a friend or family member was in need, Kay was there to help, to hold a hand, to say a prayer, or to do whatever was needed to provide comfort and support.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caring and attentive staff at the communities where Kay and Frank resided for their last four years together, Grace Barker Health Center in Warren RI, and Brookdale Sakonnet Bay in Tiverton, RI. Special thanks also to the staff at Harmony Hospice who made Kay’s last weeks so peaceful and dignified.

Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Church, Halifax, MA on Saturday, August 5 at 11am. Burial will follow at Halifax Central Cemetery, 60 Hemlock Lane, Halifax. Visitation service will be held from 4pm - 7pm on Friday, August 4th at Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main Street, Kingston, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation, or to Children’s Hospital, Boston.