Collette Murphy, a resident of Congers, NY, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 years old on October 11, 2020. Collette was born in Manhattan, NY, to Andrew and Annie Wray of Counties Donegal and Mayo, Ireland.
Collette was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Michael, with whom she raised seven children. A devoted mother, Collette is mourned by her son Michael and his wife Maureen Murphy, her daughter Dianne and her husband George Stokes, her daughter Eileen and her husband Scott Sullivan, her daughter Colleen and her husband Paul Kearns, her daughter Collette and her husband Stephen Couper, and her daughter Kathryn and her husband Michael O’Donnell. Collette truly enjoyed spending time with her fourteen grandchildren, Kevin, Kieran and Kaelyn Stokes, Michael and Courtney Murphy, Deaglan, Ronan and Maeve O’Donnell, Aedan and Mairead Kearns, James and Andrew Sullivan, Colin and Evelyn Couper. Collette was preceded in death by her son, Kevin, her brother, Andrew and her sisters, Martha and Evelyn.
When her children were grown, Collette took a position at the Boards of Cooperative Educational Services of New York State in Health Benefits Administration. Her desire to help others and their families was reflected in her diligent efforts and the compassionate care she showed her colleagues.
Collette was a woman of strong faith who was blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. Her warm smile would light up the room as she loved to be surrounded by family and friends. Proud of her Irish heritage, she raised her family in a home abounding in a lifelong celebration of Irish music and dance. Collette was an avid reader, puzzle solver and bird watcher who always made sure the bird feeders were filled for her feathered friends.
Always with a smile on her face, a warm embrace and a kind word for others, she remained strong, faithful and dignified throughout her final days.
Visitation will be held at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home, 113 Lake Road East, Congers, NY on Friday, October 16 from 3-7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 82 Lake Road East, Congers, NY on Saturday, October 17 at 10 am. Internment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery in Congers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, https://www.alz.org/
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