Kathleen M. Murphy

On Saturday, July 27, 2019, just a few days shy of her next birthday and surrounded by loved ones in Providence, Rhode Island, Kathy Murphy completed this big adventure we call life and traveled to the other side of the stars.  Although gone far too soon, in her time on this earth, Kathy’s was a life well-lived.

Kathy grew up in Buffalo, New York with her father, Joseph Murphy; mother, Patricia Murphy; brothers Joe Murphy Jr and Tim Murphy; and sister Maureen Murphy-Billotte.  In the summer, the family would vacation with their extended family by the ocean in Scituate, Massachusetts.  She graduated from Williamsville South High School where she developed a knack for field hockey.  She loved sports and this continued into her time at Michigan State University where Kathy played goalie for the Spartans.

Following the completion of her bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Kathy began her traveling adventures moving to New Hampshire, south to Virginia and as far west as California before settling back east in Rhode Island to be closer to her family.  

In 1996, Kathy began an even greater adventure, what she would consider to be her greatest accomplishment, giving birth to and raising a beautiful daughter, Carmen Giambra.  Always on the go, she was the picture of a doting soccer and dance mom.  During Carmen’s senior year, Kathy opened her home to the South Shore Kings Jr. Hockey League and became a billet Mom.  She shared her home, heart, and energy with aspiring young hockey players.  But, she didn’t stop there.  Kathy had a genuine love for dogs and when she found the Friends of Homeless Animals Rescue, she knew she had to help.  She became a foster Mom to over 70 dogs, ensuring each left her care ready for their forever home.

In these final years, Kathy was truly living her best life.  She was number one in sales for West by day.  By evening, she was an active Yogi at Raffa Yoga and became “freakishly strong”, as she would say, with the help of her exercise family at Body Rock.  All the while, she continued her travels both domestically and internationally.

To say that Kathy will be missed is an understatement.  The souls she touched are countless.  Her energy, spirit and love will live on in each one, forever.

A Celebration of Her Life will be held Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln.  Relatives and friends are invited.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory to the Friends of Homeless Animals, c/o Doris Baker | FOHA Treasurer, 8052 Bonito Drive, Marathon, FL 33050, or to the Alzheimer's Association, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, R.I. 02906 would be appreciated.

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