Catherine Murphy Jones

"Bury my body wherever you will; let not care of it cause you any concern. One thing only I ask you, that you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be." As quoted by Saint Monica from the Confessions of Saint Augustine. “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

So stands the faithful component of a life well lived and revered by those who encountered her. Catherine M. Jones, of East Hartford, Connecticut, born in New York; World Traveler via Ocean Liner at the tender age of three months; raised till about 4 years old with her Paternal Grandmother The Late Mary Murphy and Paternal Grandfather The Late John Murphy both of Scart, Knocknagashel, County Kerry, Ireland along with a beloved cousin The Late Andrew Downey of Rego Park, New York (whose name was anglicized by Ellis Island Officials to Downing when he stepped on the American Shore); then rewarded into the gentle yet strong hands of two of her cherished Maternal Uncles The Late Simon "Sinie" McMahon & The Late Paddy McMahon both of Bouloughera, Lissycasey, County Clare Ireland who considered both Catherine and her sister Mary-Jane as “first children” rather than nieces; then via an exchange and repatriation ship, under the protection of the Red Cross, hence the term "mercy ship" at the adult age of fourteen from the Swedish American Line entitled the M. S. Gripsholm traveling with her precious Sister Mary-Jane Tracey, herself only 16, as they traveled back to New York from the adored Emerald Isle to reassemble with The Late Catherine McMahon Murphy Fleming (Her Mother) & The Late Thomas Fleming (Step-Father) in East 78th Street New York City, New York. The Late Dennis Murphy, Catherine’s Father, had unexpectedly passed years earlier in tragic circumstances leaving the new wife and young children in hard economic times.

Catherine then Married The Late Kenneth T. Jones of East Hartford in 1955. She immediately formed a relationship with her “Neighbors” The Late Charles Jones and The Late Mary Jones her husband’s parents. She was the proud yet humble Mother of four loving children; Kevin Jones of East Hartford; Dermot Jones of Vernon with a “new Daughter” Denice Long Jones his wife; Kathleen-Mary D. (Jones) Sharos with a “New Son” Thomas C. Sharos of South Windsor her Husband and a “Treasury” Bridget Ann Murphy Sharos a Granddaughter; and Shaun K. M. Jones of East Hartford.

A true Friend, Love, and most magnificent Sister (a companion so faithful she considered Mary-Jane her twin and Mary-Jane considered Catherine her twin) -Mary-Jane Tracey and Her husband Jim of Flushing, Queens, New York along with their exceptional and loved children: Mary –Theresa Tracey, James J. Tracey, Mark Tracey, Elizabeth Beck and her Husband Bob, Joanne Cameron and Her Husband Billy, Colleen and Her Husband Lester Murphy, and Brendan Tracey. The children of her nieces and nephews were also many times in her prayers.

Many wonderful relatives: Mary Gorman of Manchester , a first cousin from that famous town of Kilrush, County Clare and her husband John Gorman from Magnificent County Mayo, respectively, along with their three children Brendan and Linda Gorman & Family , of Ellington CT, J.J. and Lisa Gorman & Family of Georgia, Senan and Kate Gorman & Family of Farmington CT. Senan Carrig, a First Cousin who spent some valuable and memorable times with Catherine in County Clare and Norma Carrig his wife both from Cork. Michael & Lilo Carrig of Kilrush. John and Mary Finnucane , Eddie Finnucane of County Clare. Sarah and the Late Michael Crotty of Kilrush. Jane (Finnucane) McMahon and Peader McMahon also from County Clare. Mary (Finnucane ) and Bob Hendricks of Norwalk, Connecticut. The Late Jean and Peader Clohessy of Limerick. Alice (McMahon) Moloney & Family John McMahon & Family Gerald “Jerry” McMahon all of Limerick.

A wonderful First Cousin, Nell Murphy, in Brosna, County Kerry, Ireland who was rediscovered along with Uncle Sinie's Children (Michael McMahon and his wife Brid, Tony and Margaret McMahon, Flan & Bernadette Glynn in Ennis, Patrick McMahon & Family) in County Clare on the return trip to the Emerald Isle in 1998. Nell Murphy who revered “Uncle Diney” (The Late Dennis Murphy mentioned earlier) had a life-long dream realized to reunite with her beloved Catherine, whose whereabouts eluded her many times over the years in her continuous search to reunite this “daughter” of John and Mary Murphy who first taught and raised their young granddaughter. Nell’s fine family was introduced to her on her return trip to Éire.

An “angel” Rita Murphy Gentry, Nell’s Daughter, of Massachusetts timely fell into Catherine’s hands during her time of need offering tremendous support, love, care and assistance to help Catherine during her recent affliction. As Rita would declare I made up my own mind to render aid and assistance, but, I do acknowledge that my Mother and her considerable influence nudged me as well.

Eileen Maloney of New London a most wonderful friend and former parishioner of St. Mary’s Parish, East Hartford is extended a simple thank you for her support over the years. Harlene Hawkes, formerly a co-employee at the Connecticut Board of Parole not only was a true friend but equally an angel. Thank You Harlene! Catherine had a diverse career as a Mother, Homemaker, Secretary, Bookkeeper, Waitress, Exercise Instructor, Den Mother(Cub Scouts) in such employment as Hartford Kosher Caterers, Imperial Caterers, Royal Liverpool Insurance Company of New York, Elaine Powers, CBT, Pratt & Whitney, State of Connecticut & Continuous Full Time 24/7 365 days a year Teacher to her “children,” as well as to those children she volunteered for @ Pleasant Valley School in South Windsor Connecticut as a mentor and cheerleader encouraging them to succeed.

The Funeral Mass is set for Saturday, December 20th, 2014 at 12:15P.M. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in East Hartford, Connecticut, burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Veteran’s Field Memorial Cemetery in East Hartford, Connecticut. There are no calling hours.

Any and All Donations are requested as follows: Money or checks to be sent in support of the Saint Mary’s Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel 15 Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford, CT 06108-4021. Moreover, Can we not Donate TIME to spend @ Saint Mary’s Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel? It will be time well spent!!!

Benjamin J. Callahan Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford, CT 06108 is entrusted with her arrangements.