Kathleen Eisele Murphy

Kathleen Eisele Murphy, affectionately known as “Kitsy,” passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, in Visalia, California, at the age of 76. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Kathleen will be remembered for her compassion, humor, and unwavering grace.

Born on January 13, 1950, in San Diego, California, Kitsy was the daughter of a close-knit family who instilled in her a lifelong love of learning and service. She graduated from Our Lady of Peace High School in 1968 and later earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from San Diego State University in 1972. Her commitment to education shaped her life’s work—devoted to ensuring equality in learning for every child. Kitsy’s remarkable 35-year career as a primary school, migrant education, and resource teacher touched countless young lives, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and educational excellence.

She took great pride in raising her sons, Joseph and John Gillham, nurturing them with generosity, humor, and resilience. Her family was the heart of everything she did, and her warmth extended beyond her home to friends, colleagues, and all who had the joy of knowing her.

In 1989, Kitsy married Edward Murphy, beginning a partnership grounded in love, laughter, and mutual respect. They built a life filled with family, faith, and adventure. Kitsy’s passions were as vibrant as her spirit.

She had a lifelong love for travel, music, theater, and movie trivia. She delighted in gardening, camping, and sharing happy hours with friends. Her curiosity for pop culture and her ability to make everyone feel seen and heard made her the center of many gatherings. Beyond her professional and personal pursuits, Kitsy found fulfillment in serving her church and community as a CCD teacher, member of the music ensemble, and team mother for countless baseball and soccer seasons.

Kitsy is survived by her cherished sons, Joseph and John Gillham, granddaughters Kayla and Eloise Gillham, and daughters-in-law, Mariel and Laura Gillham; who will continue to honor her legacy of kindness and service.

A memorial service to celebrate Kitsy’s life will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Miller’s Chapel in Visalia, California, officiated by Father Martin Ortega. A reception will follow at 2 p.m.

As we gather to remember Kitsy, we take comfort in the words of Psalm 23: “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want… Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”