Marianne Murphy, age 61, died January 12, 2018 at her home in Winter Springs, FL. Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Marianne spent most of her life in Northern Virginia, living in Alexandria and working in Washington D.C. She spent 26 of those years at Patton Boggs Law Firm where she played a large role in the formation of the Patton Boggs Foundation, a public policy foundation created to provide fellowships for law students doing public service internships in the United States and abroad. Marianne chaired the Patton Boggs Foundation Staff Committee, which helped to raise awareness of the Foundation as a whole. During her years of employment in the D.C. area, Marianne also worked for WMAL Radio, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Federal Government.
A committed animal rights advocate, Marianne volunteered in two Pet Facilitated Therapy Programs through the Arlington Animal Welfare League. She also served on the AWLA’s Board of Directors and volunteered at Lost Dog and Cat Rescue. Marianne opened her home to several wonderful pets during her lifetime, many of whom passed before her. Her main priority after a diagnosis of failing health was to ensure her pets would have good homes.
After retiring in 2012, Marianne made the decision to relocate to Central Florida in the summer of 2016. She purchased a home with the yard she always wanted so her dogs would have room to run. After months of renovations and beautiful new landscaping, Marianne hosted a grand Halloween party to celebrate her favorite holiday in style in her new home with neighbors, friends and family. A strong and independent person, Marianne had a sharp sense of humor and friendships that lasted a lifetime. In her spare time, Marianne served as a Big Sister to an area child for 11 years; she served a three-year term as the Jefferson Green Condominium President and enjoyed extensive travel including an African Safari, Ecuador, Europe and a cross-country trek of the U.S. She was predeceased by her mother, Leola Murphy, in 2003 and her father, Thomas Murphy, in 2011. Surviving family members include her brother Tim Murphy in Connecticut, her brother Greg Murphy in California, her brother Mark Murphy in California and her sister Colleen Murphy in Florida.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate her life will be held at the home of Colleen Murphy in Winter Springs, Florida on Friday, January 19th at 2 pm. A casting ceremony for ashes will take place in the state of Arizona, at Marianne’s request, at a future date, to be determined by the family. All are welcome at both locations.
A donation may be made, in memoriam, to Marianne’s favorite charitable organizations:
Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation in Arlington, VA, Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, NY and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT
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