Mary Martha Murphy

Mary M. Murphy peacefully passed away on Aug. 2, 2012, while surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Indianapolis, Ind., where she met her adoring husband, Earl (Bud) Murphy when they were in their teens. World War II began and Earl enlisted into the U.S. Navy and they moved to San Diego. Mary and Earl were married nearly 68 years.

Following World War II Mary and Earl relocated to Alameda, Calif., and began their family. Mary was an amazing mother to six children: Kathleen, Timothy, Daniel, Michael, Patrick and Maureen. She was grandmother to 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mary and Earl then moved to Citrus Heights, Calif. During this time she enjoyed working at the Coyle Avenue School as a school secretary. In 1971 they moved to Pollock Pines. She worked at the Pollock Pines School District in the classroom and obtained her Associate In Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from the currently known Folsom Lake College, Placerville.

Mary also enjoyed a loving relationship with her mother, Mildred Duke, and her two brothers, Ray and Michael. She and Ray played “schoolhouse” growing up, and Michael would enjoy her love a bit later as a younger sibling.

Mary lived in El Dorado County for the past 41 years. She enjoyed the relationships of her church family at Christian Life Center in Pollock Pines, where she and Earl were founding members in the early 1980s. More recent friendships include her girlfriends at Dramatics Hair Studio in Pollock Pines.

She loved Jesus and found strength throughout her life in His comfort. She is lovingly remembered for her undeniably kind and gracious heart, for her love of spring time and planning many treasured family get-togethers.

Mary will forever be missed by all those who knew her, including her German Shepherd, Casey. She is survived by her husband, Earl, and their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her two brothers, Ray and Michael Duke of Texas. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred Duke; her father, Walter; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.

Mary’s friends and friends of the family are invited to share in her memorial at the Christian Life Center, 5723 Pony Express Trail in Pollock Pines. Her memorial will begin at 11 a.m. on Aug. 25.