Carol Murphy Canale

Carol Murphy Canale, a native of New Orleans and most recently a resident of Woodstock, GA, passed away on March 14, 2026, at the age of 96. Beloved wife of the late Anthony J. Canale. Loving daughter of the late Harrington John Murphy and the late Margaret Stenberg Murphy. Also preceded in death by her brother, Harrington J. Murphy, Jr., and sister, Myra M. Rousseau. Survived by her children, Andrea Filippi, David Canale (Marie), Paula Canale, and Brenda Leslie; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Fulmer (Reid), Alexandra Leslie, Isabella Canale, Graham Leslie, and Joseph Canale; great-granddaughter, Addison Fulmer; sister, Eileen M. Thomas, brother, William H. Murphy, sister-in-law, Ursula P. Murphy; and many nieces and nephews.

Carol was born on June 3, 1929, and was a life-long Catholic. She was a proud alumna of The Incarnate Word School, St. Mary’s Dominican High School (Class of 1946), and St. Mary’s Dominican College (Class of 1950). She was a former employee of Southern Pacific Railroad and a retired legal secretary for the Texaco Legal Department in the New Orleans office.

Carol was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She grew up off Carrollton Avenue, and when she talked about her childhood there, she made it seem like it was the center of the world. Our father grew up there too, just a block or so away, but they did not know each other as children. Our mother’s life changed forever one day when our father Anthony just happened to drive by and offer her a ride to the streetcar stop. She did not accept but when she realized who he was, she called him to apologize. Two weeks later they went on their first date. Two years later they were married and started a life together that lasted for over 50 years. Our Mother and Father were truly dedicated to each other and to us. They sacrificed endlessly to ensure we had what we needed. Their love for each other and their children was without measure.

Carol was an experienced seamstress who made many of the dresses her daughters wore to school dances, graduations, and other special occasions. She always enjoyed social engagements, and the words “Party, Party” was her frequent refrain as she anticipated them. She was always willing to give her opinion on any topic, and her ability to add more than a “few words” to any conversation was always joyfully appreciated.

Her dedication to her family inspired her later in life to write a book about her ancestors and family members who lived at 1222 Annunciation Street in New Orleans. That was the family home of her mother and grandmother, and the locus of the many joys and sorrows of her life as a child and young woman. Her book, Memories of My Family to Share With You, was published, signed, and given to her children and other relatives in 2023. It was a crowning achievement of a life filled with love. Her research about her cousin Buddy’s death during WW2 while writing the book even led to her appearance in the documentary The Fallen Fortress in 2021 on Japan’s NHK television.

The family wishes to express its gratitude to Nancy Parsons, Carol’s companion, caregiver, and friend for the last ten years. Her assistance and dedication to our Mother enriched her final years. Additionally, the family is thankful for the staff at Merrill Gardens of Woodstock Assisted Living for the care and comfort they provided for the past two years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 12:00PM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 10:00AM. Interment will follow the Mass at Metairie Cemetery.