Kathryn Elizabeth Murphy 1940-2021
Kathryn Elizabeth Murphy, 81, of Ventura, California passed on December 23, 2021. She was our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend to many. Kathy was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, the third child of Albert and Betty Engel. Kathy met Dan in the third grade when they were classmates at St. Mark’s School. They married in 1963. Fifty-eight years of marriage is surprising to many, but Kathy & Dan made it beautiful. Maureen and Laura were born in Minnesota, ending Kathy’s career as a first-grade teacher, but with no regrets. The family moved to Laredo, Texas, during Dan’s Air Force service, where Sharon was born. Next stop was Kansas City, KS, where she happily and capably met the needs of her young family, while Dan was busy completing his neurosurgery residency. Tom was born after the move to Ventura, California. Trips back to visit the Minnesota family were happy occasions. Kathy dedicated time to teach religion class at Sacred Heart Church for 25 years. She was selfless and thoughtful, known for baking banana bread for others. She had a close group of friends, playing Bunco for at least 40 years. People often referred to her in superlatives: nicest, kindest, humblest, bravest—a real angel among us. Kathy enjoyed traveling the world with Dan and friends, visiting Ireland, Singapore, New Zealand, the Holy Land, and Denmark, just to name a few.
Kathy is remembered with love by her husband Dr. Dan Murphy; her children Maureen DeVaughn (Dennis), Laura Jespersen (Todd), Sharon Murphy, Karen Glasgow, Tom Murphy (Pam); her four grandchildren (Andrew, Peter, Esan & Savitha); her brother Tom Engel (Mary Lou), sister Margaret Mary Bannigan, many nieces, nephews and their families.
Visitation 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 4th at JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 East Main Street, Ventura, with Rosary starting at 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 5th at SACRED HEART CHURCH, 10800 Henderson Ave in Ventura. Reception to follow in Biedermann Hall. It is suggested that attendance be limited to those fully vaccinated. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to “Athletes For Change” in Kathy’s name. www.athletesforchange.org