Octavia "Tabby" M. Diaz (Murphy)

She was born on March 19, 1950, in Springfield, at St. John's Hospital to John Edward and Genevieve (Cunningham) Murphy. She was named after Sister Octavia from the 3rd order of St.

Francis, a builder of St. John’s Hospital, along with her father. Tabby married her beloved husband, Henry James Diaz, in Springfield, on August 20, 1982.

Tabby graduated from Sacred Heart Academy High School. She then studied at St. John's College of Nursing, St. Louis University, University of Virginia, and University of Illinois, where she earned advanced nursing master's degrees to pursue her dreams of service to patients. For Tabby, it was never a job; she enjoyed helping others in her daily life. She proudly worked as a nurse for over 50 years, including 15 years serving as an ER nurse, and over 35 years working for St. John's Hospital.

Tabby volunteered her service as the school nurse at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for 8 years during the time her daughter attended. She was currently working as the nursing manager at Central County Health Center for the last 15 years. Tabby also found great joy in knitting, and spending time with her beloved family and dogs.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henry; and many beloved dogs.

Tabby is survived by her daughter, Kathryn "Kate" (Christian Ingram) Diaz; siblings, Kathryn Burke, John Edward, Jr., James (Faten) Joseph, Michael Martin, Elizabeth "Tibby" (Tom) Parkin, and Patrick Brendan (Julie) Murphy; beloved dogs, Frankie, Silva, and Booboo; cousins, Frank and Barbie Stelte, and the Bretscher and Webster Families; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with honors provided by the Nurse Honor Guard.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 524 E. Lawrence Ave., Springfield, with Father Steven Arisman, Celebrant.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Protective League or St. Jude Children's Research

Hospital.