Eugenia "Jeania" Murphy

Eugenia "Jeania" Murphy, 83, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, in Peoria. She was born on April 26, 1943, in Evanston, Illinois. She spent her early childhood and adult life in Rock Island, Illinois, before making her home in Peoria.

A dedicated nurse and a compassionate soul, Jeania spent her life in service to others. Her commitment to healthcare led her to Bradley University, where she successfully earned her Master’s Degree, further deepening her ability to support and comfort those in need. For Jeania, nursing was not just a career, but a true calling. She was an unwavering advocate for all, always standing up for the vulnerable. Her compassion knew no borders, highlighted by her impactful journey on a medical mission trip to care for those in desperate need.

Jeania possessed rare and beautiful gifts: an innate ability to truly connect with people, a heart centered on sharing and generously giving, and a radiant smile that could instantly lift anyone's spirits. She will be remembered by the community and the countless patients and people she cared for as a pillar of strength, empathy, and kindness.

Jeania was blessed with three children from her marriage to Brian B. Gustafson. She later married her soulmate, Thomas P. Murphy in Peoria, with whom she shared many years building a beautiful life together until his passing in 2005. Also preceding her in death was her brother James Loula, sister Polly Meagher, sister-in-law Judy Deisenroth, and brother-in-law Phil Meagher.

Her greatest joy was her large and loving family, as well as her vibrant community of friends. She is survived by her devoted children, Brian W. (Susie) Gustafson, Mike (Stacey) Gustafson, and Jean (Mark) Gustafson-Mannen. She was a proud grandmother to Patrick Gustafson, Ashley (Josh) Godfrey, Brock (Drew) Gustafson, Ben Gustafson, Amanda (Eli) Rawlinson, Murphy Mannen, Michael Mannen and Campbell Gustafson. Her legacy continues to bloom through her many deeply loved great-grandchildren.

She also leaves behind her dear brother, John Deisenroth, and sister-in-law, Carol Loula. Jeania will be profoundly missed by her many deeply loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, as well as the so many close friends she treasured from study club, book club, and wine club.

Funeral services will be Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 3 p.m. at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Peoria. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. prior to the services at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, and for those wishing to make a memorial donation, the family requests supporting any of Jeania's favorite charities, which reflected her lifelong mission to help those in need: Food for the Poor, Doctors Without Borders.