Anna J. Murphy

Anna Jane Murphy (Bruecker) age 74 of Appleton, WI joined her beloved angels and saints in heaven on February 14, 2024.  She was born to Arthur and Janet (Nytes) Bruecker on February 15, 1949.  She graduated from Seymour High School with the class of ’67 and decided to work in healthcare.  Anna was a passionate nurse and earned her RN degree from Fox Valley Technical College after a few years in the field.  In total, she dedicated over 40 years of her life as a nurse, retiring at AMC.  She married John Murphy in 1971.  They were married for ten years and, though they mutually agreed that it wasn’t meant to be, they proudly and lovingly raised their two wonderful children, both together and apart.  

Anna loved serving people – she was a true empath and lover to all.  She had a place in her heart and her home for anyone and everyone that came across her path.  Family and friends were first and foremost in Anna’s life and she truly loved spending as much time as she could with her kids and grandkids.  In addition to caring for her patients, she also took care of her own loved ones in their times of need.  In her spare time, Anna enjoyed playing Scrabble, winning card games like Liverpool Rummy and Sheepshead, reading with her book club, and going on adventures with her kids.  Anna had a collection of angel statues that she was always adding to.  More than anything else in the world, Anna loved her family and was so proud of everyone she helped to raise.  

Anna will be deeply missed by her children, Craig (Natalie) and Theresa (Josh); her grandchildren, Siena, Aidan, and Alaina; her former husband and long-time friend, John (Diane); her brother, Hugh; her Godchildren, Lynette, Teena, and Jackie; her siblings on John’s side of the family, Suzie, Mike and Teri, Kathy and Greg, and Chuck and Judy; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.  

In heaven, Anna rejoins her parents, Arthur and Janet; her siblings, Alice (Hobart “Gummy”), John, and Andrew; her sister-in-law, Pam; her former daughter-in-law, Tonia; her parents-in-law, Richard and Margaret “Monnie”; her brother on John’s side, Tom; her good friend and cousin-in-law, Kathleen “Kayo”, and many other extended family members that won’t be forgotten.  

A funeral visitation will be held for Anna from 9:30 – 11:30 AM on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at St. Pius X 500 W Marquette St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a mass to follow at 11:30 AM.   Anna will be laid to rest at St. Mary Cemetery in Black Creek, WI later that day.  If you are unable to attend, the church will be livestreaming the event on their YouTube page, found using the link below.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Pius X Parish or to the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Schools in her honor using the links below.  

Anna’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at AMC, Fresenius Kidney Care, and Dimensions Living in Appleton, especially Lyle, for all the care and compassion shown to Anna in her times of need.  Also a special thank you to Jerry and Cindy for showing such kindness in helping Anna.  All of your love is deeply appreciated and won't be forgotten.  

“I’m going home, crazy.”

Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/@st.piusxappletonparish378/streams

St. Pius X Parish: https://stpiusappleton.org/give

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Schools: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/41682/donations/new?amt=100.00