Obituary of Mary T. Murphy

TRUMBULL, CONN On March 12, 2023, Mary T. Murphy, age 91 (Gibbons) of Trumbull, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born in Medford, MA, the beloved daughter of the late John V. and Grace Evelyn (Reinhalter) Gibbons. She was the devoted wife of the late Edward Vincent Murphy; residing in Westport, CT for many wonderful years raising their family before moving to Trumbull CT. Mary is survived by her loving children, Ed Murphy (Carol) of Windham, NH, Ken Murphy (Pam) of Epping, NH, Kevin Murphy (Janet) of Sacramento, CA, Sharon Murphy of Torrington, Maureen Burdick of Trumbull, and Terri Matsen (Eric) of LaGrange, KY, a daughter-in-law, Kate Murphy of Newburyport, MA, 13 grandchildren including Kahley Apostolou (Mike), Erin, John and Brian Murphy, Peter, Edward and Mary Grace Burdick, Conor, Nolan, Bridget, Jack Matsen, Jillian and Shane Murphy (Marisa), and three great grandchildren, Logan Burdick, Lyla and Mason Apostolou. Also surviving are Mary's two brothers, John V. Gibbons Jr. of North Kingston, RI and Robert Gibbons of Mirror Lake, NH, as well as several beloved in-law family members, nieces, and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her son, Dennis Murphy, grandson, Christopher Stephen Murphy Burdick, son-in-law, Carl Burdick, and sister, Claire Gibbons Boyle. Mary's faith in God and her devotion to family and friends were commitments she made all throughout her life. A devout Catholic, she was a woman of deep faith. As a couple, Ed and Mary embraced the teachings of the bible to serve as guideposts in their lives. She served as Eucharistic Minister, bible study leader and Curcio/Emmaus volunteer in her parishes for several years. Mary volunteered at CRIS radio and taught English as a second language at the Mercy Learning Center. Mary personified a modern woman who understood the power of faith, family, and tradition. Through hard times and happy times, Mary stayed true to her husband, family, friends, and herself. She was a devoted wife to Ed for 39 years; raising their family and then caring for Ed until his death in 1993. As the central figure of our large family, Mary was present at just about all her children's, grand and great-grandchildren's sporting events, school activities, concerts, graduations, and parties. Our family was very blessed to experience Mary's love, light, wisdom, compassion, and inner strength. She was a role model for all of us on how to "do it right". Mary graduated from Regis College and obtained her master's degree in Education from Fairfield University. Mary worked for the Westport School district as a foreign language teacher for 25 years. Mary passionately followed the UConn women's basketball team and her Boston Red Sox. It was common to see Mary discuss the latest wins and losses with fellow super fan and dear friend, Judy Cooper. Mary had a zest for life. She loved to travel, read, play bridge with her ladies, and golf. It was a good day on the links if Mary's golf ball took flight! Her favorite times were those spent with family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. directly in the Church of the Assumption, 98 Riverside Ave., Westport. Interment will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday, March 24, 2023 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Down's Syndrome of Louisville 5001 South Hurstbourne Pkwy