Mary H. (Giusti ) Murphy, age 94, a lifelong resident of Walpole, died peacefully at her home on August
30, 2022, in the company of her devoted family. She was the wife of the late Henry (Harry) J. Murphy,
who passed away in 1993.
Mary was born on November 3, 1927, the daughter of the late Alamido and Finimola (Massei) Giusti who
emigrated from Tuscany, Italy and became United States citizens.
She graduated from Walpole High School in 1945. Her four years of high school took place during World
War II. She remained close with many of her classmates and they enjoyed numerous happy reunions
over the years.
Mary worked at the Kendall Mills Co. in Walpole which led to her meeting Harry. After Mary and Harry were married, they settled in Walpole and raised their four children.
She had a lifelong love of gardening that she began alongside her beloved father as a child and
continued into her 90s.
Mary was a Girl Scout member and leader for many years. She worked part time in the Walpole school
cafeterias as well as many other part time jobs throughout her life. One of her favorites was selling beer
at Schaefer Stadium. Among her many jobs were telephone operator, shoe sales at Ronnie’s department
store, and Concession manager at Foxboro Racetrack.
She loved fishing and was surprised by Harry’s gift of a fishing boat one Mother’s Day. This prompted her
to learn how to swim at age 60. The boats got a little bigger over the years, but the same couldn't be
said of the fish!
Family camping trips throughout New England and into Canada and Washington DC were annual
adventures, with a favorite spot being Pine Knoll Campground in Albany, NH.
Mary continued traveling after Henry’s passing. She resumed the Walt Disney World family trips that
they’d begun in 1987 and returned more than fifty times, including celebrating her 90th birthday there.
Among her travels were trips to Arizona, Las Vegas, Hawaii and eventually, Italy, where she met
numerous first cousins for the first time. She was a bit of a local celebrity there known as "Mary from
America".
Mary was president of the Walpole Senior Club for over twenty years. She planned many outings,
dinners and activities at the Walpole Senior Center. Bingo, Pokeno and Rummikub were weekly “dates”
and she formed many close friendships there. She especially enjoyed singing with the “Senior Moments”
and was proud of being one of the original members of the group. Mary was a Town Rep for many years
and had been a member of the Council on Aging. She worked at the voting polls in Walpole for many
decades.
Mary’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. It didn’t matter if it was sitting at a
table building a puzzle, playing games, around a campfire, fishing (anywhere), road trips, floating in a hot
air balloon or on the swing in her backyard. We shared a lot of laughs and Mary had the best smile.
Mary enjoyed crocheting and always had a project in the works. She loved cooking and baking,
especially her pizzelles and Christmas tree cookies...a tradition that she’s passed on to her
granddaughter, Alyssa Murphy, and her great-granddaughter, Charlotte Verrochi.
To say she will be greatly missed is an understatement.
Surviving her are her children, Mary Ann (Ed) Verrochi of Mansfield, John (Karen) Murphy of Walpole,
Jim (Lori) Murphy of Medway, and Kathy (Dick) Bush of Martinez, GA. Cherished Grandma of Alyssa, Alex and Ryan Murphy, Ed, Joe, Bill and Tim Verrochi as well as Mike and Dan Bush, Leanne and Ben Murphy. Beloved Great-Grandma of Ethan, Liam, Collin, Henry, Charlotte and Ryan Verrochi and seven others.
She is also survived by her brother Julio Guisti and his wife Evelyn of Dorchester as well as many nieces
and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Lillian Stocker and her husband Don, Eva Peroni and her husband Ray,
Nilda Cunniff and Leo Guisti and his wife Gerry.
The family would like to acknowledge the Ferraro family (Matt, Anne, Paul, Matthew and Scout) for the
never ending kindnesses they showed our mom.
At her request a private graveside service and interment will be held at St. Francis Cemetery, South
Walpole
Rest in peace Mom, you deserve it.
In lieu of flowers, spread some joy in the world, do a good deed, be the cause of someone's smile.
You are invited to leave a kind word or share a picture or story here.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).