Obituary of Rita E. Murphy

Rita E. Murphy, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Sunday evening, January 1, 2017. She was 79 years old. Rita was born in Brighton, the daughter of the late Francis and Nancy Farrell. She grew up in Brighton and was a graduate of St. Columbkille High School in Brighton. She married her husband, David Murphy in 1958 and they eventually settled in Burlington in 1967 to raise their 4 children. Prior to her retirement she worked at Yusen, an electronics firm in Woburn. She was very active in the Town of Burlington. She was a member of the Town’s Disability Access Commission for many years, an active member of St. Malachy’s Church, and member of the Tower Hill’s Tenants Association. She was a member of the St. Malachy’s Women’s Club. Her favorite pastime was her Thursday night card games with her close circle of friends. She was a very independent and giving person. Always putting others before herself. Rita’s life revolved around her family. She had a wonderful relationship with her husband David. They shared 53 years of marriage together and his passing in 2012 was a difficult loss for her. Her home was always filled with her children and their families. Rita loved hosting family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Rita’s mantra was always, “The more the merrier.” She always wanted her family and friends to be happy. Rita was the beloved wife of the late David P. Murphy. She was the loving mother of Nancy Cotreau & her husband Stanley of Billerica, Maureen Cooper & her husband Paul of Hudson, NH, Michael Murphy & his wife Sharon Patenaude-Murphy of Lowell and Brian Murphy of Chelmsford. She was the sister of Dianna Embry of FL and Jeanette Hernon of NH, the late Charles Farrell, Mary Walsh, and Peggy Martin. She was the proud grandmother of Joseph, Kevin, & Scott Cotreau, Tim & Julie Cooper, Donald Murphy, Jennifer Wood, Christopher & Steven Murphy. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Malachy’s Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Friday from 4-7 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Rita’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.