Nadine Charlotte Murphy

Nadine Murphy passed away at home on June 22 at age 96 from natural causes. She was born in Lodi , Ca. to loving parents, Leonel (Leo) and Charlotte (Lottie) Schnaidt and raised with her brother, Robert Schnaidt, in a small, tight knit, loving community surrounded by the farms and vineyards of the Valley.

Nadine married Edward Murphy in 1945. They had their first son, Dennis, In 1947. He died tragically the same year. In 1950 they had a daughter, Patricia, and soon after Ed was called back into the Navy. Once he was discharged they headed to the land of opportunity - Santa Clara. With the abundance of new homes, new jobs, and lush prune orchards and strawberry fields they found their forever home. They lived in the same house for their entire lives.

In 1961 after many years of wanting more children, their son, Timothy was born and their family was complete.

Nadine was the ultimate homemaker and took much pride into running a smooth, loving home. She also liked her independence and became an Avon Lady. She canvassed the neighborhood all dressed up and lugging a heavy bag of samples and catalogues. She used her profits to buy the fun things for herself and her family.

Nadine was active at Westwood, Wilson, and Santa Clara High. She attended dance lessons and baseball games. She supported Girl and Boy Scouts, Little League, YMCA Y Guides, local libraries, and Santa Clara Police Reserves. She sewed every outfit to supplement Merry Marts offerings for Pat’s need to be unique. She cheered for Tim at every baseball game.

Our Santa Clara court was a place of life-long friendships and camaraderie. While the children staged plays, lemonade stands, and played baseball - the adults had Halloween costume parties, played badminton, and had grand barbeques and fireworks on the 4th of July.

Later in life and with the “kids” gone Nadine took up golf. She excelled at the game and much to Ed’s surprise she beat him at Pruneridge. She was a member of Pruneridge and Oakridge Golf Clubs. Their love of golf and gambling gave them many wonderful resorts to visit throughout California during their golden, active years. .

Nadine loved games of every kind - she played bridge in a group, played Bingo at the Senior Center, took bus trips to various casinos, and would play with family and friends anytime and anywhere. She was sharp, never cheated, and usually won!

In retirement she liked to say that the only thing she made “was reservations”. Most days of the week Mom and Dad would dine out with friends - especially at Country Inn. Mom also knew every ice cream parlor in the valley until she decided she was lactose intolerant.

Later in life she was lovingly cared for by Jane B. and Jane became part of our family for the last 6 years. Mom enjoyed living at home and she depended on and loved Jane like one of her own.

Nadine and Ed had a loving marriage for 67 years until his passing in 2012. Nadine was furious that he “went first” leaving her to deal with the finances and issues. Luckily, Pat and Tim stepped up and helped her maintain her home and her financial lifestyle with no worries.

Nadine was very proud and thankful for her children - Dennis (deceased) , Pat, and Tim. She adored her grandchildren - Justin Treadwell (deceased), Megan Bendett, Kaitlin Wills, and Brian Murphy. She loved meeting her great grandchildren - Matthew, Javan, Violet, Layla, Lucy, and Iris. She also leaves nieces and nephews from the Murphy-Strobel family - Lora, David and from the Schnaidt family - John, and Susan.

She lived a long life worth living.