Elaine Murphy

A Staten Island native, with family roots in Germany and Ireland, Elaine Gertrude Murphy, 89, was the matriarch of her family. Mrs. Murphy died Tuesday in her home after visits with her loved ones. Petite and Elegant, Elaine had a mighty personality. She was courageous and strong, witty and kind.

Elaine Murphy grew up on Bodine St. in Port Richmond and was the daughter of Conrad and Gertrude Dickman. She was the youngest sister to June & George. Elaine would often recount being a young girl during WWII. Her father, Conrad, was an Air-Raid Marshall, serving as the eyes and ears of the neighborhood, keeping them safe during troubling times.

A love of the jitterbug is what sparked Elaine's relationship with her late husband, Francis (Frank) Murphy. The two were married for more than 60 years and were each other's perfect complement. They enjoyed vacationing and often spoke of their adventures in Ireland. Adored by her husband, Elaine kept a pristine home, preaching "There's a place for everything and everything in its place". She was a master of the pressure cooker and could whip up a mean ham and cabbage dinner.

Elaine, along with her husband and two children, spent their summers on the boardwalk in Wildwood, where they rented homes to vacationers. In colder months, Elaine made sure Christmas was special by setting up lavish decorations on Christmas Eve when her children went to sleep. She loved her family waking to the magic of Christmas.

Elaine learned how to play golf later in life. She was a member of the Ladies Club at Silver Lake Golf Course on Staten Island and also a member of the Kings Point Golf Club of Sun City Center, Florida, where her and her husband spent winters.

Mrs. Murphy is survived by her son, Gary (Ann Marie) Murphy and daughter, Ellen (Steven) Socci. She was also the proud grandmother to Kristen (Terence) Fox, James, Kimberly, Erin, and Kerianne (Joseph) Rosa.

Nanny, as she was called, was a wonderful listener and gave great advice over a cup of tea. Elaine will be remembered for her steadfast faith, wisdom, "stick-to-it-iveness", and beauty. She was a grandmother to all.

Visitation will be held at Harmon Funeral Home on Friday from 4-8pm. Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, 10:30am.

Elaine, you will be forever missed and treasured. Rest in Peace. We love you.