Margaret Loretta (Kordas) Murphy, born in Boston, MA on September 9, 1929 was finally reunited with the love of her life on July 11, 2021. Her beloved husband of 50 years, James Edward Murphy, died in 2000, and Margaret had to once again learn to live without her biggest supporter.
Sadly, she lost her mother at 16 years of age and became estranged from her father. She went to live with her aunt and uncle Joe and Ruth (Phinney) Seifried. During that time she didn’t finish high school but worked different jobs including being a diet aide at the Phillips House at MGH and as a salesperson at Conrad’s in Downtown Crossing - probably where she got her love for high fashion and always wanting for her and her family to look their best.
She met our dad at the Polish church youth group; asking him out for a drink at Dorgan’s in South Boston. They married on October 1, 1950 and lived in Dorchester, MA where they started their family. Our dad worked several jobs in addition to many long hours as a Boston police officer while mom stayed home to care for the household and 6 children.
They started their life together in a rental apartment on Columbia Road in Dorchester. After their third child was born they were able to purchase their first home - a triple decker on Rosemont St in Dorchester. Although it was only a 2 bedroom and ultimately needed to accommodate a family of 8, Mom no longer needed to be carrying her babies up 3 flights of stairs as she had done in the previous home.
It was also around this same time that they were able to purchase their first automobile. Mom told us stories of dad running home from a police detail in order to borrow a car to rush her to the hospital when she went into labor. Having our own car afforded our family so many conveniences and luxuries. Over the years, we enjoyed many outings and trips as a family. Our parents would pack their family of 8 in the station wagon and head off to places like College Pond, Newfound Lake, Castle Island among many other places. We made multiple trips to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina as a family -- 8 of us packed into a station wagon with a pop up camper in tow.
In 1963, our parents were so happy and proud to be able to purchase a single family home in Roslindale MA, off of the West Roxbury Parkway. It had a large fenced-in yard, in a wonderful neighborhood. Mom and dad loved entertaining friends and playing cards; we could walk to Holy Name Church on Sundays; we have so many great memories of that time.
In 1976, to escape a turbulent time in Boston our parents built a house in Hanover, MA. With the last 2 children approaching their high school years, Mom finally had some free time to explore other interests. She started to work in different retail and office settings. She enjoyed crafting, sewing and, of course, she loved to shop and hunt for a bargain -- as long as she could drive there without getting on the highway.
Dad retired from the Boston Police Department in 1989; Mom and Dad sold their home in
Hanover and purchased a condo in Boca Raton, FL. In Florida, they enjoyed an active life - golfing, continuing their love of cruising, card playing with their new friends and of course the casinos. Mom was always lucky on those penny slots - hitting the jackpot on more than one occasion. Unfortunately, due to Dad's failing health in 1994 mom had to become his caretaker. After he passed, she had to navigate finances, travelling on her own and managing life without a partner. She quickly learned to navigate technology and social media - using her iphone and ipad to keep up to date with her family and friends.
Throughout her life Mom had many challenges, but she always pushed through with a positive attitude and smile on her face. Mom never looked for attention; she was quiet, behind the scenes making sure that dinner was always on the table, we had clean clothes, were well cared for and generally keeping the family organized and on track. She wanted her children to have more than she had; so proud that all 6 children went to college - something she never had the opportunity to do. She was happy and proud that all her children have strong family ties and consider each other friends. For her 90th birthday, the entire family was able to surprise her with a party (not an easy task). She shared that this was one of the best days of her life.
Mom lived a long and happy life of almost 92 years. She lived on her own up until a couple months ago when her health began to decline. Per her wishes, the family took her home to her apartment in Quincy where her four loving daughters cared for her in her last few months.
She was able to watch game shows, listen to the Red Sox games, enjoy the warm sun shining on her as she slept, FaceTime and entertain visitors, share her life stories and enjoy the 24/7 time with family. She remained comfortable up to the end and died peacefully.
She is survived by her six children and their families. Diane Horgan, James and Mary Murphy III, Kathy and John Vecchiarelli, Thomas and Cathy Murphy, Laura and Kristopher Pruyn and Nancy Murphy and Daniel Deignan. She was Grammie to Julianna Horgan; Emily and Kevin Collins, Melissa and David Lue and Colleen Murphy; Christopher Tranni and Paul Vecchiarelli; Brandon, Kristen and Shaun Murphy; and Timothy, Evan and Amanda Pruyn. Also, Great Grammie to Reid and Leo Collins and Jackson Lue. She is predeceased by her parents Anthony “Bill” and Margaret (Phinney) Kordas and brothers William and Robert Kordas.
The family wishes to thank NVNA and Hospice for their dedication and care. In lieu of flowers, her family would be honored if those who wish, send a donation to NVNA and Hospice, 120 Longwater Drive, Norwell MA 02061. We would like to also thank Casper Funeral and Cremation Services for their compassionate handling of services for our Mom.
Private services will be celebrated by our family at Cedar Grove Cemetery. A celebration of life will be planned at a later time for extended family and friends.