Virginia A Murphy

Passed away on January 29, 2017 at the age of 90. Virginia was born on April 25, 1926 in Sandusky, Ohio to parents Allen and Helen Binsack. Virginia married Francis Murphy in 1954.

She was a 1944 graduate of St. Mary Star of the Sea High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Nazareth College in 1948. She earned a scholarship to Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame and received a Doctorate degree in Religion. Additionally, Virginia earned a degree in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin and became a lifelong resident of Milwaukee. Virginia was employed in the chemistry lab at Miller Brewing Company for many years. She and three other female employees sued Miller in an “Equal Pay for Equal Work” suit and won a successful verdict in Federal Court. Later she accepted employment from Northwestern Mutual Insurance Company as Director of Medical Research from which she retired. Her passion for travel took her around the world.

She enjoyed traveling extensively throughout Europe, Alaska, Costa Rica, and the Holy Land. Virginia was a lifelong practicing Catholic. She was kind and generous in every aspect of her life. Her gift was making lives better. To her nieces and nephews, she was known affectionately as Aunt Ginny. As a very generous and caring person, she assisted financially in the education of several nieces and nephews in their educational pursuits, as well as being generous to many charities.

She resided at Trellis Gardens Assisted Living for the last four years and the family thanks them for their excellent and kind care. They also thank Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice for their compassionate care. Her work here is done. She leaves the world a little better. We shall miss her deeply and are happy that she is now at peace with God. Virginia is survived by her sisters, Mary Jean Luberger of Euclid, Ohio; Nancy Goodrich of Mason, Ohio; Geraldine (Donald) Mayew of Kenosha, Wisconsin; Kathryn (James) Brandewie of Georgetown, Texas; Patricia O’Connor; and Lois (Steve) Tobin of Jackson, Michigan. She is preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Eloise and David. Per her wishes, cremation has taken place, a memorial mass will be held on March 16, 2017 at 10:00 am at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church (120 Wesley St., Jackson) with visitation from 9:30am until time of service. She will be laid to rest with her parents at St. John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Star of the Sea School or the charity of your choice.

Forever in our hearts.