Karen Costello Murphy

Born on February 19, 1964 in Milwaukee, WI, Karen grew up in San Diego, CA, where she developed a lifelong love of nature and the ocean. She attended the University of California at San Diego, helping to start a student-run satirical publication called The Koala. She eventually transferred and earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland. She worked in journalism before attending the University of Maryland School of Law, becoming an editor of the law review, earning her J.D., and meeting Jerry, her loving husband of over 30 years. They married in 1994 at Fort Carson, CO, where Jerry was stationed in the Army JAG Corps.

After graduation, Karen briefly practiced law. But as Jerry was frequently reassigned posts, she began to focus instead on volunteer work and their children. Karen dedicated her life to her family, raising her children—Claire, Colin, and Abigail—as well as her nephew Andrew, with deep care and love.

She devoted herself to all that she loved. Without formal training, she spent decades uncovering family history dating back to the early 17th century—tracking down old records, deciphering handwriting, and finding long-forgotten connections. Toward the end of her life, she used these genealogy skills to support others in learning about their pasts: she loved both the challenge and helping others, whether they were friends or strangers. She was also a lifelong San Diego sports fan, and she shared this love with her friends and family—teaching them to appreciate both the sudden shift of a first down and the slow pace of baseball’s innings, while also supporting her children in their own athletic pursuits. Karen was funny, smart, and caring. She loved evening walks, sci-fi (both old and new), gardening, and history, possessing a seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of the Roman Empire. She was a wonderful chef, constantly trying new, complicated recipes that consistently tasted better than promised. Beyond her family and hobbies, she was always up-to-date with current political issues and fiercely defended equity and justice. Her strength showed not only in her beliefs but in her own life, having first battled and defeated cancer 13 years ago. But, in her own words, she saw the greatest accomplishment of her life as her children. She taught them to pursue their passions—whatever they may be—to help people whenever they are able, and to deeply love the things they do and the people they care about.

Karen is predeceased by her father Donald G. Costello and mother Marillyn J. Costello. She is survived by her husband Jerome A. Murphy, her children Claire E. Murphy, Colin D. Murphy, and Abigail G. Murphy, her sister Heather L. Costello, and her nephew Andrew J. Costello.

A Celebration of Life memorial will be held on Wednesday, July 16, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Lyon Park Community Center, 414 N Fillmore St, Arlington, VA 22201.

Interment is private, in the care of Murphy Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.