CHARLTON - Debra A. Grzyb-Murphy, 67, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, in the loving arms of her wife Sharon at their winter home in Cape Coral, FL after an illness.
She is survived by her family that loved her so dearly including her wife, partner, and soulmate of 44 years Sharon Grzyb-Murphy of Charlton; brother Vincent Grzyb of Webster; nephew Joel Grzyb and his wife Nicole of Webster and great nephew Braylon Grzyb; her beloved dog and cat Daisy and Dash; her cousin/”sister” Donna Gauthier and her husband Michael and niece Michelle Gauthier; Sharon’s family, which became her own, specifically her sister-in-law Susan Gill and husband Kevin of North Reading and sister-in-law Dawn Champion and husband John of Rochester, VT; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Debra was predeceased by her father Henry “Hotdog” Grzyb and mother Irene (Martel) Grzyb.
Debra was born in Webster on July 9, 1957. She grew up in Dudley and graduated from Shepherd Hill High School in 1975 and from Westfield State College in 1979. After graduating Deb taught and coached in local school systems. She began her career in 1981 at Commerce Insurance in the Claims Department, retiring as a Bodily Injury Claims Manager.
Deb excelled as an athlete in high school and college. After college she continued playing softball in leagues in Southbridge and Webster and also on a traveling tournament team. She also continued playing tennis with a group of friends. Deb always felt so fortunate that she was able to retire early. After retirement she became an avid runner and even ran 3 marathons including the Boston Marathon as part of the Dana Farber Team. She played in a women’s golf league at Hemlock Ridge for a few years where she met a group of women that traveled around MA and CT playing different golf courses and decided that’s what she preferred; just casual golf followed by lunch with people who have become lifelong friends.
Deb loved the beach and watching sunrises and sunsets. She loved camping and hiking, traveling all over New England to find some beautiful, rustic campsites which were close to hiking trails. She loved to climb to the summit and look out over the beautiful views. She especially loved the White Mountains in NH and even accomplished her goal of climbing Mount Washington.
Deb was a NE Patriots fan and loved following the UCONN Women’s Basketball Team, attending several Final Four Tournaments to see them play. She was outgoing and enjoyed spending time with family and friends whether at large gatherings or sitting quietly around the firepit.
To get out of the cold New England winters, Deb & Sharon bought their winter home in Cape Coral FL in 2022. They enjoyed getting together with dear friends that have moved there, getting in an occasional round of golf, and enjoying the warmth and sunshine. She loved her winter home but her favorite place to be was at her home in Charlton, gardening, mowing the lawn while checking out the gardens as she went and making mental notes of all the things she wanted to do. She loved morning coffee on the back deck and evening cocktails on the front.
Deb was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Dudley. She loved her church and her church family. She served on various committees and recently served as a Deacon.
Everything Deb did in life was always with Sharon by her side. She was a kind, giving and compassionate woman who will be so deeply missed. For all that she loved and all who she loved, there was no greater love and devotion that she had than that for her beloved Sharon.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the First Congregational Church of Dudley, 135 Center Road. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Dudley, 135 Center Road, Dudley, MA 01571 or to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School St., Webster.