Obituary of Nancy Murphy

Nancy (Broughton) Murphy, a woman devoted to her family and the community of Burlington, formerly of Center Ossipee, New Hampshire and Arlington, MA passed away peacefully after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease.  She was 87 years old. Nancy was born in Boston Massachusetts, the daughter of Helena and Ambrose Broughton.  She grew up in Arlington and was a 1948 graduate of Arlington High School and then Katharine Gibbs School.

Nancy worked as a secretary at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in the Ophthalmology department before starting her family. In her heart, family always came first and Nancy always placed her family’s needs as her priority. She was the silent force behind her very public husband, Tom.

 For many years, Nancy was involved in her community and church volunteering her time within her children's schools, as an elected Town Meeting Member as well as a member of the Morgairs Group at St. Malachy’s Church.  She also took pride working within her husband’s many campaigns for Selectman and Town Moderator, and for numerous friends and candidates whom she believed in.   

Tom and Nancy have a rare gift, they have known each other for almost their entire lives.  They first met in kindergarten in Arlington and continued to share the same group of friends into their high school and college years. After years of being the best of friends, the two finally started dating when Tom was at Law School.They were married in 1956 and purchased their first home in Burlington in 1957. They were the perfect team. 

They enjoyed a wonderful circle of friends in Burlington and New Hampshire who shared interest in their many hobbies . Both avid golfers, they purchased a vacation home on the 11^th hole of the Indian Mound Golf Club, Center Ossipee, NH  in 1985.  Nancy was one of those few lucky golfers to get a “Hole in one”.  Even nicer, was the fact it was on the hole that her home overlooked. In 1996, Nancy and Tom retired full time to New Hampshire only to return when Nancy’s Alzheimer’s Disease progressed to the point that they needed to come back to Burlington to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

 Nancy was a loving and supportive mother to her six children; in their educations, activities, sports, and life’s decisions.  She was so happy that each one married wonderful individuals and gave her 18 beautiful and smart grandchildren and 1 great grandchild who adored their “Nina” as they so lovingly called her. Her home, back yard, and pool were her children’s friends gathering place.  She was a fantastic cook and was always feeding anyone one who visited.  Her inviting nature, warmth, and wit made those around her feel appreciated. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh, devotion to her family and friends, and the endless love she bestowed upon all she cared for.

Nancy was the beloved wife of 63 years to Thomas F. Murphy.    Loving mother of Thomas F. Murphy, Jr. & his wife Ginny, Christopher Murphy & his wife Maggie, Tara Olshaw & her husband Fred, Charley Murphy & his wife Nan all of Burlington, Tim Murphy & his wife Marcie of Colorado Springs, CO and Kerry Fitzgerald & her husband Tom of North Reading.  Proud grandmother of Kathleen Ammon, Michaela O’Rourke, Eric & Brian Olshaw, Ryan, Casey, Jack & Brendan Fitzgerald and Thomas III, MaryKate, Conor, Charlotte, Michael, Erin, Grace, Amelia, Aidan & Abigail Murphy.  Great grandmother of Cora Ammon.   Sister of Paul Broughton of MI and the late Ambrose Broughton, Jr. and Eleanor Pyle.  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 Sunday, June 16 from 3-6 p.m.  Funeral from the Funeral Home on Monday, June 17 at 9 a.m.  Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m.  Burial to follow in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington.  Memorials in Nancy’s name may be made to the K of C Exceptional Children’s Fund, PO Box 25 Burlington, MA 01803 or Alzheimer’s Association MA Chapter, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.

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