Elaine was born in Pittsburgh, PA, to the late Justin and Frances (Butera) Decheck. She was married to the late William F. Murphy for 44 years.
She is survived by her two children, Lisa M. Murphy and Matthew D. Murphy; two grandsons Nathan and Joshua Murphy; and a brother, Justin Decheck.
Before retiring in 2007, her day job for the better part of the previous 2 decades was spent as an elementary and special education teacher at Holy Name of Jesus and St Margaret Mary schools. But outside of that, she was in endless pursuit of a 25th hour in the day to spend tutoring those in need, visiting and assisting the elderly and infirm, and spoiling her children and grandchildren.
While tirelessly yet quietly battling the disease for her entire life, Elaine served on the board for the Cystic Fibrosis Association in Erie, PA, where she endeavored to assist and inspire others afflicted with the disorder. When a lung transplant in 1997 gave her a new lease on life, she put those years to their best possible use, touching the lives of family, friends, and strangers too numerous to mention.
A visitation will be held Thursday, June 27, 2019 from 6:00-8:00pm at Neill Funeral Home; 3501 Derry St, Harrisburg, PA. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday June 28, 2019 at 10:00am at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque; 2800 Paxton Church Rd, Harrisburg, PA. A visitation will be held and light lunch will be served at the church following the Mass. A burial will be held at Fort Indiantown Gap Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque; 2800 Paxton Church Rd, Harrisburg, PA or to Hospice of Central PA; 1320 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17110, and most of all, please consider becoming an organ donor.
