Patricia Ann Murphy

Patricia Ann (Zak) Murphy, 81, of Appleton passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at St. Elizabeth Hospital. She was born on a chilly day in Iron Mountain, Michigan on November 20, 1932, daughter of the late Albert and Ida (Jarvey) Zak. Patricia was married to her loving husband, James K. Murphy, on January 7, 1950. Patricia and (as she lovingly called him) “Jimmy Boy” shared over 60 years together, building the large family she dreamed of as part of a lifetime of warmth and kindness.

Her family fondly remembers her elegance and the gorgeous smile that spread across her face as she prepared beautiful meals for her own children, then her grandchildren, and even her great-grandchildren.

She loved to host family events and infused any guest to her home with her infectious joy. Though winter was her favorite season and she loved the rains of spring and fall, she shined in her gorgeous summer garden. Patricia had an unparalleled green thumb and would joyfully prune away at her delicate roses. She appreciated the subtlest of life's moments and most basic of life's chores—from housekeeping to babysitting her adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew her lovingly as “Oma.”

Patricia was as in touch with the heavens as she was with the earth, and demonstrated a boundless and unyielding faith in God. She was a survivor of a brain tumor and breast cancer and despite these and many other adversities, Patricia fought for and truly cherished the gift of life. She was and will always be an example, both to her family and to her community, of charity and hope. She drank so fully of the cup of life, that even to the end of her days you would be hard-pressed to find a grey hair amidst her exquisitely dark locks.

Her passing will be a permanent tear in the hearts of her adoring family who are deeply suffering the loss of this beautiful woman and cherished mother.

She will forever have a living legacy in the hearts of her family. She is survived by her husband, James; five children, Kevin (Lizabeth) Murphy of Appleton; Colleen (John) Willard of Bartlett, IL and their children Brian (Rachel Yacapraro) Willard, Christopher (Jessica) Willard, and Kyle Willard; Maureen (Peter) Strobach of Round Lake Beach, IL and their children Stefanie (John) Ignoffo, Chad (Brenda) Strobach, and Dr. Natalie (Dr. Michael Graziano) Strobach; Cynthia (the late Kirk) Eckholm of Menasha and her children Shawn (Laura) Apitz, Amber (Peter Engle) Matthias, Trevor Matthias, Ryan Matthias and Keifer Matthias; Michael (Kathy) Murphy of Schaumburg, IL and their children Courtney Murphy, Sadie Murphy, and Bridget Murphy. Her beloved 11 great-grandchildren are Belle, Sebastian, Zakary, Hailie, Izabelle, Hans, Zoe, Aaron, Sofia, Mylena and Adeline. Patricia is also survived by her beloved sister, Jean (the late Glen) Weber and her niece, with whom she shared the closest of bonds, Beverly (Meyer) Lobermier.

She is preceded in death by her seven sisters: Vi Mayer, Arlene Sonnleitner, Rosemary Locke, Helen Jane Allen, Ellen Anderson, June Zak, and Mary Zak; and by four brothers: Chet, Randy, Albert Jr., and Lindberg “Lindy” Zak.

The funeral liturgy for Patricia will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at 11:00 AM at SAINT THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1810 N. McDonald St. with her lifelong friend and spiritual leader, Father Gerald Falk, officiating. Interment will be at Saint Mary's cemetery. A time of visitation will be held on Monday, December 16, 2013 at the Wichmann Funeral Home Tri-County Chapel from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM with the rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM and on Tuesday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at the church.

The family would like to thank the nurses, staff, and doctors in the ICU ward of St Elizabeth hospital–particularly Dr. Goggins and the staff at the Oncology Department.

“A mother holds her children's hands for a moment, but their hearts forever, and the memories of her beautiful life will remain with them always.”

Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com.