Obituary of Jean E. Murphy
Jean E. Murphy
(nee Bartels)
Jean E. Murphy passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 90. Born in Beaver Dam, WI to the late Louis and Lenora (nee Treanore) Bartels, she was a longtime area resident. She retired from Christian Brothers in 1992 and was previously employed as a secretary at Richland School and Joliet Junior College. Jean was a long time member of St. Mary Immaculate Parish where she was a greeter and a member of the funeral luncheon committee. She also volunteered at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center.
Jean enjoyed playing bridge and bowling. One of her proudest moments took place on May 3, 2008 when she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the University of St. Francis. She was the oldest graduate in the school’s history. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially on their family vacations.
Jean is survived by her loving children, Timothy (Sue) and Kevin Murphy, Karen (Timothy) Brehn, Nancy (John) Bostanche and Jayne (John) Airola; grandchildren, Nathan (Sarah) and Jestin, Ryan, Courtney and Jilyian, Joshua and Alison Brehn, Lauren, Brienna and Katrina Bostanche, Tara, Colin and Kaylee Airola; one sister Helen (Edward) Woods and many nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James (1999); her parents and two brothers, Glenn (Phyllis) and Frederick (late Mary Lou) Bartels.
Funeral services for Jean E. Murphy will be Friday, September 1, 2017 at 9:45 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be at St. Mary Immaculate Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to St. Mary Immaculate Food Pantry or Joliet Area Community hospice would be appreciated. Visitation will be Thursday, August 31, 2017 from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
