Germaine Mary Murphy

Germaine Mary (Calmes) Murphy

Germaine M. Murphy, age 85, of Appleton, died peacefully at home on Friday, September 1, 2006 with her family by her side. Germaine was born on July 28, 1921 in Appleton, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Theodore A. Calmes and Elma (Le Capitaine) Calmes and the beloved wife of Orville M. Murphy. Germaine and Orville were married June 30, 1943 at Sacred Heart Parish in Appleton. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage together.
Germaine was the dear mother of Michael (Marjorie) Murphy, Black Creek; Patrice (Frederick) Kranzusch, Appleton; Bonnie (Mark) Rabideau, Kaukauna; Kathleen (John) Hanneken, Tempe, Arizona; and Brian (Kathy) Murphy, Appleton. She was the proud grandmother of twelve grandchildren: Robert Murphy, Ryan Murphy, Sean Murphy, Erik (Lynn) Kranzusch, Kristin (Daniel) Brellenthin, Neal Rabideau, Keith Rabideau, Erin Hanneken, Kelly Hanneken, Patrick Murphy, Kyle Murphy and Tyler Murphy. Germaine was preceded in death by her husband, Orville; a sister, Dr. Helen M. Calmes, Appleton; and a brother, Joseph J. Calmes, Appleton.
Germaine was a graduate of St. Mary High School, Menasha. She attended Lawrence University and was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, class of 1943. Germaine graduated from Actual Business College and was employed in the office of Appleton Coated Paper Company.
After marrying Orville, Germaine’s career shifted to taking care of her family, which was quite a feat with five children! A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Germaine’s family always came first. In 1955 during the polio scare, Germaine protected her children by keeping them inside the house for the entire summer. She managed to keep them happy and entertained the entire time! She was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren at their summer home in Eagle River on Catfish Lake.
Germaine was a fabulous cook. Her family loved the traditional French meals she prepared. Another of Germaine’s many talents was her writing ability. She enjoyed writing poetry and honored her sister, Dr. Helen M. Calmes, with a poem about her sister’s healing hands. Germaine also had a musical side; not only did she enjoy playing the organ, but she also loved to tap dance. Germaine had a tender place in her heart for animals. She especially loved her two Siamese cats, Ming Toy and Suki Yaki.
Germaine’s sense of adventure was always prevalent. She was never afraid to try something new. She and Orville loved to travel. Together, they traveled to every continent. Germaine told wonderful and exciting stories about India, Africa and the Soviet Union when it was still under Communist control. Her favorite adventure was their “Flight Around the World” on the Concorde. Germaine and Orville also enjoyed wintering in Arizona.
She had a kind, fun-loving, caring and generous heart. Germaine was a true lady—gentle and refined. She and Orville were charter members of St. Thomas More Parish. Her strong faith was practiced every day of her life. She taught her children and grandchildren what “living your faith” really meant. She always had a positive attitude and never complained. Her caregivers considered Germaine a role model. Germaine lived each day with grace, dignity, faith and thankfulness.
The funeral mass for Germaine will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 9, 2006, at ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1810 North McDonald Street, with Father Gerald Falk as celebrant. Entombment will be in the Star of Hope Chapel Mausoleum, Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. Saturday until the time of mass directly at the church.

The family would like to thank Janet Kruse and Mary Schumacher, Germaine’s loving caregivers and friends. They were truly our angels on earth. The family would also like to thank Father Gerald Falk, Sr. Betty and Hospice nurse Kathy Horn for the care and compassion they showed Germaine and her family.

Germaine’s name means lovely, exquisite and important; it fits her well, because she was such a lovely person and an important part of many people’s lives. She will be dearly missed by her family and those she has touched in this life. Her faith, strength and gentleness are an inspiration to all who knew her.

Mother
There is but one and only one,
Whose love will fail you never.

One who lives from sun to sun,
With constant fond endeavor.

There is but one and only one,
On earth there is no other.

In Heaven a noble work was done,
When God gave us our Mother.
–Author Unknown

It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters.
–Mother Teresa

“Angels watch over you, Mom.”

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Germaine’s name to support stroke research. Please send donations to:

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Financial Management Branch
Building 31, Room 8A34
31 Center Drive, MSC 2540
Bethesda, MD 20892-2540

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
Tri-County Chapel
3212 South Oneida Street
Menasha 920-831-9905
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com