Mary Dean (Spratt) Murphy, formerly of Marion, died in Clearwater, FL Sunday morning August 11, 2013, of complications after surgery. She was the widow of the late Dr. Frank V. Murphy, Jr., a local surgeon.
Born May 9, 1924 in New Brighton, PA, Mrs. Murphy was the daughter of the late Joseph J. and Julia Mack Spratt. She graduated from Mount Gallitzen High School, Baden, PA, in 1942, and later received a degree from the National College of Education in Evanston, IL. She spent 10 years as a kindergarten teacher, which turned out to be a perfect preparation for her next step in life.
In the early sixties, her former college roommate introduced Mary Dean to Dr. Murphy, a widower with 10 children. They fell in love and married on Feb. 8, 1962. Not only did she become a loving mother to this large brood, but four additional children were welcomed in the ensuing years.
A few years after the death of her husband in 1999, Mrs. Murphy moved to Clearwater, FL where she resided until her death with her sister Julia, who had relocated after Hurricane Katrina.
Surviving Mrs. Murphy are three children and their spouses, Joseph Dean (Carol) of Baton Rouge, LA, Paul (Lori) of Phoenix, AZ, and Bridget Mullett (Alan) of Marietta, GA. Also surviving are nine step-children, and spouses, Peggy Grace (Tom) of Galveston, TX, Francie Naftzger (Dale) of Portland, OR, Frank (Barb) of Clearwater, Pat (DeeDee) of Atlanta, Cathy Rooney (Kevin) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Rita Kearns (Jim) of Columbus, OH, Dan (Bonnie) of Winston-Salem, NC, Mike of Atlanta, Marla Craft (Scott) of Portland, and son-in-law Bob Irwin. She is also survived by sister-in-law Nora Lee Spratt of New Brighton, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Joe, Jack, and Jim Spratt, her daughter Mary Beth Irwin, and stepson Timothy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Thomas Buffer, Bishop Robert Lynch of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, FL and Msgr. Paul Enke of Newark, OH on Friday, August 16 at 10:30 a.m. The service will be at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 251 N. Main St., Marion, OH. Friends will be received at the church an hour prior to the mass. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors are handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gunderhallandfolk.com.
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