Katherine S. Murphy

Katherine Murphy, age 90, of Appleton, passed away at Appleton Retirement Community on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. Katy was born on August 21, 1926 in Jamestown, Rhode Island, to the late John L. and Grace (Delahunt) Smith. She married Joseph “Pete” Murphy on October 8, 1949 in Jamestown, Rhode Island. They shared 63 years of married life until his death in November, 2012.

The ocean was an important part of Katy's life. She grew up on an island and took a ferry boat to high school. She had the honor of christening the Jamestown Bridge. After graduating from secretarial school and working a few years in Boston and Newport, her marriage took her to LaGrange, Illinois. This temporary relocation lasted 57 years. During the time, Katy raised her children often sewing and knitting clothes for them. She was an active volunteer in scouting activities. Katy had a great love of her church. She was involved in various social activities. Being a lector and Eucharistic minister were important to her. In her retirement, Katy enjoyed travel to her childhood home in Jamestown, Rhode Island and many many other trips visiting family.

She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be greatly missed by her children: Nancy (Bill) Guilbeaalt, Appleton, Joseph Murphy, St. Mary's Georgia, and Elizabeth (James) Carder, Yorba Linda, California; her grandchildren: Brian (Cassie) Guilbeault, Dan Guilbeault (fiancé Chris), Beth (Bill) Hanna, Mary Guilbeault, Lauren Schlemmer (Lucas), Matthew (Samantha) Murphy, Colette Murphy, Graham Murphy, Margaret Fulghum, Kate (Travis) Kokenes, Jake (Caroline) Fulghum, Meghan Carder, Jessica Carder and Courtney Carder; and her four great-grandsons, Will, Howie, Gus Guilbeault and Jack Kokenes. Katy is further survived by her two brothers: Dick (Marilyn) Smith and Fred (Barbara) Smith; a sister, Nancy (Vinnie) O'Brien; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, her daughter, Brigid, and her brother, Jack Smith.

The funeral liturgy for Katy will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 11 a.m. at ST BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1617 W. Pine Street, Appleton with Father Dennis Ryan officiating. There will be a time of visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Appleton. Online condolences can be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at the Appleton Retirement Community. She enjoyed many activities planned by Colleen and Sue, especially Book Club. The compassionate care of the caretakers during the last few weeks of her life is much appreciated.

Be at peace, Mom, in the everlasting embrace of God's love. We know that you will always take care of us from heaven along with Dad and Brigid.