Frances Murphy

Frances Elizabeth Murphy, nee Meder, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, passed away on Monday, September 13, at her residence at The Beacon, Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Frances was born in Montclair, New Jersey on November 18, 1931, to Eugene and Elsie Meder.   Growing up in East Orange, New Jersey, she graduated from Clifford Scott High School.  She married George Francis Murphy on November 8, 1952.  In 1956, they moved to Middletown, New Jersey.   A loving mother and homemaker, she raised her son, George, and daughter, Shawn; was a school and church volunteer; and was employed part time as a proofreader.  After her children were grown, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the age of 50.   She was then a dedicated nurse at a nursing home in Atlantic Highlands, N.J.

She and George moved to Gulf Breeze in 1992, to begin a much-anticipated retirement near three sisters, also retired in the area.  She found a welcoming community at Saint Ann parish.  She volunteered and served on the reception, seasonal decorating, and hospitality committees.    She also spent several years as the parish coordinator for funeral receptions.  Following George’s death in 2003, she was active in the local Habit for Humanity, becoming a primary donor and lead on a local project in his memory.  She then served on the board identifying future projects and owners.

Always a dog lover, Fran and her beloved Bichon Frise, “Paddy,” were a common sight on the streets of her Gulf Breeze community. He was her best friend from 2004 until his passing in April 2020.

Following a severe stroke on September 11, 2019, Frances received therapy at West Florida Rehabilitation Center. The treatment and pep talks provided by West Florida therapists contributed significantly to the quality of Frances’ life going forward.  Following her therapy, she resided at the Beacon in Gulf Breeze, where she received wonderfully kind, and attentive, care for almost two years.  Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Beacon, as well as the therapists at West Florida Rehabilitation Center.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, George and Lisa Murphy, of Blairstown, NJ; daughter, Shawn, and son-in-law, Michael Hitchcock, of Decatur, GA,; two grandchildren, Steven and Anna Murphy; one of her four sisters, Dorothy Walizer; and sister-in-law, Dorothea Meder.  She also leaves numerous nephews and nieces and their children.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church, Monday, September 20 at 11:00.  She will be interred beside George in Fair View Cemetery, Middleton NJ.

The family sincerely requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in Frances’ memory be made to St. Ann Parish, or any charitable cause.

Arrangements entrusted to Rose Lawn Funeral Home of Gulf Breeze.