On November 8, 2021, JoAnn Irene Murphy (Litz), age 80, was welcomed home by her Lord, surrounded by family.
Born December 31, 1940 in Watertown, NY, she spent the second half of her life in Gulfport, FL.
She is predeceased by her true love of 65 years, Donald Murphy; daughter, Sharon; and sister, Joyce.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan; son, Raymond; three grandchildren, Sean (Katey), Beth (Anders), and Allison; two great-grandchildren, Avery and Emmett; two sisters, Donna and Elaine and a brother-in-law, George.
A devoted member of Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Gulfport, FL for over 20 years, she was dedicated to helping others through the work of Sisters of St. Ann, volunteering, and her great generosity.
This was most evident in the way she welcomed everyone into her life. She was an angel on Earth to each life she touched.
JoAnn was a strong and fierce woman of faith and she looked forward to the day she would meet her Savior face-to-face.
Services for JoAnn will be held November 19th at 2 pm at St. Martin de Porres Parish at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Churchville, NY and on December 6th at 11 am at Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Gulfport, FL.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations in JoAnn’s memory be made to either church mentioned above. w26506829901
JoAnn was a strong and heartfelt woman . She was also my mother in law for 18 years and had a great influence on my daughter Allison Murphy helping to care for her when I was working . My condolences to the family of JoAnn. She will be missed , but in a glorious place in heaven where she belongs . Carol Frechette
Love
JoAnn and her husband Don took me into their hearts when I dated their daughter Sharon Murphy. For years, in Florida, I would visit their home and enjoy delicious dinners (often cooking Indian curry dishes myself which they loved) or an evening around the TV watching sports or a movie. After Sharon passed in 2012 we saw each other less but always kept in touch. A Christmas card every year was a seasonal greeting and always a way of keeping in touch. After Don passed away JoAnn moved to Rochester NY and we spoke by telephone on occasion. This year when I didn’t receive a Christmas card I became distressed and did some searching on the internet only to discover that my good friend JoAnn had passed away.
I’m sorry JoAnn, as in Sharon’s case and in her father Don’s, there were no final words of “Goodbye or Farewell”. The Murphy Family that I once knew is no more and I am heartbroken and sad. I loved you all. May you find peace in the afterlife.