Barbara N. Murphy

Barbara Murphy, age 76, of Appleton, passed away on Monday, March 15th, 2021. She was born in August of 1944 in Appleton, the daughter of Clarence and Margaret Schuh. Barb attended St. Therese grade school, Roosevelt Jr. High and graduated from the new Xavier High School. Barb married Ronald Murphy in August of 1975. She had worked for many years at the Medical Arts Clinic, La Salle Clinic and finally with Network Health, delighting patients and co-workers.

Barb was a natural caregiver. She enjoyed spending time with children. Over the years she took care of nieces and nephews, and afterwards her grandnieces and nephews. She had great compassion for her family, helping her parents, her sister and her brother-in-law in their homes. It wasn’t just about everyday routines either, it was about having fun. Sharing a joke and making you smile, getting you ice cream balls for your birthday, or your favorite dinner from your favorite eatery were among her ways she showed she cared.

Shopping for shoes (and of course a purse to match) was a passion for Barb. Keeping in touch with family and friends by phone or text and sending out countless Birthday, anniversary, and get well and holiday cards meant that she was thinking of you. Barb enjoyed her trips with Ron to attempt to win the jackpot at casinos throughout the state.

Barb is survived by her husband of 45 years, Ronald; four sisters-in-law, Roxann, Diane, Mary Lou (Richard) Pekarske and Patricia; two brothers-in-law, Gerald Boone and Bill. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and great-grand nieces and nephews. There are many dear friends, including her “extended family”, the Heinritzes including her life-long best friend, Joannie.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Margaret; her brothers Andy and David; her sister Charlotte Boone; Ron’s parents, Edward and Shirley; sister-in-law Rosemary Schuh; brothers-in-law Dick and Steve; niece Suzanne Schuh-Hughes.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 11:00am at St. Therese Catholic Church, 213 E. Wisconsin Avenue in Appleton. There will be visitation on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Wichmann Funeral Homes, Superior Street Location. Visitation will continue Thursday morning at the church from 10:00am to 11:00am. For more information and to express condolences, please visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com.

Memorials in Barb’s name to St. Therese Catholic Church are appreciated.

In our memory you are with us as you always were before. Our light from our family is gone. The laughter you gave us is stilled. An empty place in our lives which never can be filled. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. A part of us went with you on the day you went home. We love you and you will be deeply missed.