Surrounded by her loved ones, Rita Mae Murphy of Silver Spring, Maryland passed away one day short of her 62nd wedding anniversary on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 at the age of 84 years young. Known affectionately as “Namaw” by her family, she is survived by her loving husband Lawrence, her children and their spouses, Mary and Joe, William (Joe) and Lynn, Margaret (Peggy) and Kevin, Amy and Brian, Rita and Mike, Cathy and Steve, and Teresa and John, along with 16 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
Born January 29th, 1935 in Troy, New York to parents John Joseph Duffy and Elizabeth Rose (née: Flannery) and joined by her siblings John and Norma, Rita began her life the same way she would spend every moment of it, loving and caring for her family. She would go on to meet Lawrence Murphy when she moved to Washington, D.C. The story is that many years ago, on one bright Sunday morning at Andrews Air Force Base, Lawrence offered a stranger, who did not have a dime to call his girlfriend, a ride to her house. There, he met the stranger’s girlfriend’s sister, Rita Mae, and the rest is history. This story would be retold often and become commonly known as the “Dime Story.” Shortly thereafter, Rita and Larry would be married at St. Francis in Washington, D.C. A Fulbright scholar awardee, Rita would turn the scholarship down to move with Lawrence to Prestwick Air Force Base in Scotland where he was transferred. What followed was an ever-growing family, so close and connected they would call themselves the “Murphy Clan” and Rita was forever their leader.
Rita’s depth of kindness and caring was unrivaled. Ever selfless, she would worry and tend to others even at her own expense. It was this unique quality that defined her life and positively impacted so many people around her. She would ask and worry about family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers she met or saw on television. Her generosity and empathy was contagious and made everyone around her better for it. She was a gift to those who knew her. The world will feel her absence. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is at peace in Heaven.
In lieu of flowers, the Murphy family ask that you make a point to visit someone lonely, take care of the babies for a young mother, or hold the hand of someone suffering. The world is going to need your help with our mom gone.
Celebration of Rita Murphy's Life will be May 5th at 6:30.
Cedar Ridge Community Church
2410 Spencerville Road / Spencerville, MD 20868 301.421.5949 / [email protected]
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