Obituary of Mary Murphy

Mary Margaret Murphy (née Rossi) Born through the love of her parents, April 12, 1920; born into eternal life July 8, 2015. Mary Margaret lived a full and purposeful life, caring for her husband, children, extended family and friends with generosity and joy. She was born and raised in Braidwood, Ill., next door to the family business, Peter J. Rossi and Sons Macaroni Factory, founded by her immigrant grandfather in 1876. She attended Rosary College in River Forest, Ill., and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1941. She worked for People's Gas in Joliet, Ill., and was loaned by the company to the Red Cross and the rationing board, overseeing disaster food programs and ration stamp distribution. Later she worked at Swift Food labs in the Chicago Stock Yards. Her fiancé, John Charles Murphy, served in the European theater as a radio gunman in the U.S. army Air Force. Mary Margaret and John wed in her hometown on August 26, 1944, and settled in Joliet where they raised ten children in the Marquette Gardens neighborhood. They were founding members of St. Paul the Apostle Parish. The parish and neighborhood were at the center of Murphy family life, providing support for Mary and John's efforts to teach their children by example what it means to be citizens of the world, looking after the common good and sharing resources and time with others. She was a founding director of Birthright of Joliet and worked tirelessly to protect the life of the unborn. The greatest legacy Mary and John gave to their family and friends was their fidelity and love for each other, which endured even after John's death in 1978. In 1985 Mary moved to her home on the lake in Petersburg, Ill., and quickly became part of parish life at St. Peter Parish. She also volunteered for Springfield Pro-life organizations, and welcomed visitors to Lincoln's New Salem book store where she worked for several years. In her later years she enjoyed birdwatching, welcoming family friends to the lake, and keeping up with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren by mastering the social media they use. She is survived by her children, 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren: John C. Murphy, Jr. (Kathie), and their daughter Sara Murphy of Green Valley, Arizona; Mary Therese (John) Egizio, Marathon Fla., and their children: Therese Ann (Tony) Fracaro, Essex Ill.; Rebecca Rossi (Samantha Quigle), Normal, Ill.; Clare Egizio, Marathon, Fla., and Matthew Egizio, Orlando, Fla. Peter J. (Donna) Murphy, Garden Grove, Calif., and their children: Timothy P. (Leah) Murphy and Gregory T. (Kelly) Murphy, Santa Rosa, Calif., Karen L. Murphy of San Francisco; Michael J. Murphy, Ellisville, Mo., and his children: Joshua M. Murphy, Columbus, Ohio, and Robin L. Murphy, Hemet, Calif.; Kathryn L. Murphy and her children: Korie L. Golden and Taylor D. (Matthew) Knous, Petersburg, Ill. Also, Brother Thomas J. Murphy, O.Carm, Washington DC; Charles E. Murphy, Joliet, Ill.; Patrick M. Murphy, Oswego, NY; Margaret A. Murphy, Petersburg, Ill.; and Sister Elizabeth Murphy, OP, Springfield Ill. Great-grandmother of Tony Fracaro, Delaney and Brennan Auth, Sophia Hutchins, Gabriel, Brennan, Henley, and Mathis Murphy. Loving aunt to numerous nieces and nephews, faithful cousin, and friend to many. Visitation 4-6 p.m., Monday, July 13, St. Peter Church, 711 Sixth St., Petersburg, IL, followed by the Mass of Resurrection. Visitation at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, Noon-2 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, followed by internment at Resurrection Cemetery, 200 W. Romeo Rd, Romeoville, IL 60446. In Lieu of flowers, donations to St. John's Hospice, Springfield, Illinois and Birthright of Joliet are appreciated. For more information: (815) 741-5500.