Bernice Lopez Murphy

Bernice Lopez Murphy, born February 5, 1925, in Napoleonville Louisiana, gently passed peacefully Thursday morning on November 18, 2010. She was the eldest daughter of Lucy and Lee Lopez. Bernice grew up in Gretna, Louisiana where she graduated from Gretna High School and worked as an administration assistant in Gretna’s municipal government. She married Rudick Joseph "Joe" Murphy and together they raised their family and made their home in Houston, Texas for 50 years. Bernice had a fun and feisty attitude with life as well a sweet and loving nature about her, especially to her family and friends. She was an active volunteer in her church and offered her time in volunteer activities, especially with children.

Bernice’s loving husband of 54 years, Joe, passed earlier. Bernice’s parents, Lucy and Lee, her brother, Charles Lopez and her sister, Ruth Lepine, also passed before her. Her three children, Rudick Joseph Murphy II and wife Julie, Debbie Murphy Spurlin and husband Mike, and George Lee Murphy, and her six grandchildren, Joseph Murphy, Patrick Murphy, Rachel Murphy, Michael Spurlin, Lindsay Spurlin, and Savannah Murphy, all survive her with wonderful fun-loving memories of “Nanny”.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff of Barton Hills Assisted Living for their loving care and companionship while Bernice made her home there. Words cannot express their thanks for the deep affection and love that the staff shared with Bernice. They also wish to express their heartfelt thanks for the care and comfort given by the dedicated professionals of Hospice Austin. They, too, were blessings for Bernice and family during her time of transition.

A Memorial Mass is planned at Mary Queen of Angels Chapel in Spicewood, 20600 Siesta Shores, Spicewood, Texas 78669 on January 8, 2010 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a private interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice Austin or your favorite charity to honor Bernice’s caring love for others.