Mary P. Murphy-Strauss

Mary Pamela McLoughlin Murphy-Strauss passed away peacefully in her sleep, or as the Irish would say “she got away” on March 2, 2017 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born April 10, 1927 on Achill Island, Ireland to Henry McLoughlin and Sabina Lavelle McLoughlin.

She immigrated to America by way of Ellis Island in 1948, leaving the green hills of Ireland for the purple mountains of Colorado. In 1950 she married Thomas F. Murphy at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Colorado Springs and became a proud citizen of the United States in 1951. In 1954 the family opened Murphy’s Tavern on North Nevada which continues to be operated by their son, Tom. Her innate Irish hospitality, hard work, sense of humor, and quick wit helped to make Murphy’s a local favorite year round for “Ceoil Agus Craic”, which means music and fun. She knitted Irish sweaters, embroidered, and even made lace. She loved to spend time in the mountains and to dance. She was active in the Church, was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, the VFW Auxiliary, and a scout leader. Mary kept her Irish traditions and passed them on to her family. She made several trips back to Ireland to visit family and friends who she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Tom, sister Ann, and brother Henry.

After Tom passed in 1994, she was blessed with a second marriage to Floyd J. Strauss in 2005, who was a devoted husband and filled her final years with happiness.

She is survived by her brothers Michael (Molly) and Tony (Irena) McLoughlin, and her sisters Margaret (Don) McGarigle and Imelda (Frank) Marsden, her children Tom Murphy, Marge (Jeff) Priestley, Cathy (Steve) Troup, step children Bob (Linda) Strauss, Linda (Steve) Monroe, grandchildren, Lucas (Nichole), Julianna (Kyle), Donovan and Stephanie, step grandchildren Matt (Bridget) Ashley (Hendrik), Alisa, Brandon, great granddaughter Charlotte, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care.

A Rosary will be at Corpus Christi Church on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 6:30 PM.

Memorial Mass at Corpus Christi Church on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 10:00 AM.

Inurnment will be at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Advantage Funeral & Cremation Service, Colorado Springs, CO.