Kathleen H. Murphy

Born in Fairhaven, a daughter of the late Charles Kobza Sr. and Mary (Mahoney) Kobza, she had resided in Fairhaven for most of her life. She was a graduate of Fairhaven High School, class of 1944, and happily attended her class reunions.

Mrs. Murphy began her career at New England Telephone Company in New Bedford, working at Camp Edwards during the war and faithfully worked for the company for over 40 years, retiring as manager.

Following retirement, she worked for Oxford Family Eye Care, Southcoast Hospitals Group and M.O. Life.

She was a very proud advocate for people with disabilities and provided resources when no resources were available. She lovingly helped her husband with his challenges. While serving at M.O. Life, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award and served as Chairperson on the Board of Directors. She was the proud recipient of proclamations from the State Senate, US Senate, House of Representatives and the Town of Fairhaven as well as recognition from the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. Kathleen was a strong woman of faith who was kind, loving and always had a smile on her face. She was very supportive of the Sacred Hearts Community and St. Mary’s Parish. Kathleen went on a pilgrimage to Molokai, Hawaii to walk in the footsteps of St. Damien. Her family would like to acknowledge the care and compassion of Bayada, Coastline Elderly and Kindred Hospice and the loving care provided by her private caregivers, Maria, Melissa, Rebecca and Margaret.

Her family includes two sons, Michael J. Murphy and his wife Susan of Fairhaven and Charles K. Murphy Sr. and his wife Caroline of Fairhaven who was a daughter-in-law by marriage but a daughter for her love of her; her grandchildren, Patrick Murphy, Timothy Murphy and his wife Patience, Daniel Murphy, Erin Murphy, Alyssa K. Murphy, Charles K. Murphy Jr. (CJ) and foster grandson, Hunter Lopes; great-grandchildren, Liam Murphy, Donovan Murphy, Paige Murphy and her little caregiver and love, Alanah Murphy; her special niece, Ellen Davison of Tulare, CA, who gave up so much to care selflessly for Kathleen; her dear friend, Connie Monopoli of Fairhaven who visited her each day while in rehab; a family member who was like a daughter, Vanessa Hemsley; a cousin Bill O’Brien of GA; her in-law Louis Carreiro (Caroline's Dad); and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Charles Kobza Jr., Ernest Kobza and Elizabeth “Betty” Wirth.

Her Funeral will be held on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 10am from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am in St. Mary’s Parish, 440 Main St., Fairhaven. Burial in Riverside Cemetery. Visiting hours Thursday, February 7, 2019 from 4-8pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Paul and Kathleen Murphy M.O. Life Memorial Scholarship Fund, 43 Daniel St., Fairhaven, MA 02719 or St. Mary’s Parish, 41 Harding Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719. For online tributes please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com