"Pat was a key person in the Friends organization that my wife and I both belong to and spend volunteer hours supporting. I helped Pat do her last book with Postcards of Kingston. My collection was the primary source of the images she selected and wrote about. Her background with the postcard business and remembrance of her grandfather O'Reilly gave me a better insight into how cards were made and distributed, besides being just a valuable historical image. I hope that the postcard items on the house walls will be donated to FHK. The value of the O'Reilly name and their impact on Kingston will be remembered by some of these pieces. Their business shipped many thousands of cards of Hudson Valley images."
In loving memory of
Patricia E. Murphy
December 31, 1969 - November 20, 2017
Patricia Elizabeth O’Reilly Murphy died November 20, 2017 at Thompson House in Rhinebeck, New York. She was born in 1937 in Kingston, the second of seven children born to William J. and Gertrude (Falvey) O’Reilly. She was married for 52 years to John T. Murphy, who preceded her in death in 2013.
Pat was a graduate of The Academy of St. Ursula, Rosemont College and the College of St. Rose. She was an accomplished writer and editor. Her most recent work, Kingston, New York, is part of Arcadia Publishing’s Historic Postcard Series. She was a treasure trove of local and state history. Kingston’s Stockade Area and her beloved Rondout would come alive when Pat conducted walking tours. One of her favorite projects was the script she wrote for a DVD, George Clinton: Founding Father of New York State, produced by Friends of Historic Kingston, on whose board she served six terms, one as President. In 2010, she initiated “Kingston Clean Sweep” which is now an annual event sponsored by FHK. Until her illness made it impossible to continue, she served as a trustee of the Kingston City Library, on the Heritage Area Commission, the Comprehensive Plan Committee and its zoning subcommittee.
After John’s retirement, she, John and friend Carol Clement established High Land Flings Hiking Holidays. Hikers from all over the country joined them for memorable weekends spent trekking through the Catskills, Shawangunks and Berkshires. The company’s “Hudson River Artists’ Landscapes Tour” was featured in the New York Times Travel Section and on CNN Travel. Pat and Carol, wanting to share the beauty of our valley with everyone, came up with a plan to link its many sights and adventures. This plan became the Hudson River Valley Ramble, which has grown to encompass activities every fall from NYC to Albany and completed its 18th year in September.
Besides her husband, Pat was predeceased by two brothers, William and John O’Reilly, and two sisters, Terry Godwin and Marree Paulson. She leaves behind her children, Maura Murphy of New York City and Patrick Murphy and his wife, Amy (Wolk), of Hyde Park, Vermont, and their children, Gavin and Lily, who will greatly miss “Grandma Pat”. Also surviving are a sister, Mary Troy and her husband, Bill, of Goshen, NY, a brother, Timothy O’Reilly and his wife, Denise, of Wellesley, MA., and a sister-in-law Mary Jo Revitte of Bayfield, Colorado, as well as many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Entrusted to the care of A. Carr & Son Funeral Home, 65 Lucas Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401, where family and friends may visit on Friday November 24, 2017 from 4pm to 7pm. The funeral procession will form on Saturday November 25, 2017 at 9am and proceed to St. Joseph’s RC Church, 242 Wall Street, Kingston, NY 12401 where at 10am a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.
Contributions in Pat’s honor may be sent to Friends of Historic Kingston, PO Box 3763, Kingston, NY 12401. To leave an expression of sympathy, please visit www.CarrFH.com
Tributes
"We would like to send our deepest sympathy to your family for the loss of your dear Patricia. Our sincere prayers go out to your family during difficult time. Death is our worst enemy and can leave us with a lot of anxiety. Please allow my family to share a few words of comfort with you.A comforting Bible scripture that will help you at this time is John 5 vs 28, 29? which states? All those in the memorial tombs will come out. The Almighty God promises us that we are going to see our loved ones again who are resting in the memorial tombs. Continue to turn to God during this difficult time of bereavement and continue to cherish all the fond memories you created together with Patrica. Once again we send our deepest condolences to your family and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.SincerelyAsare Family"
"Pat was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She was warm, smart, beautiful, engaging and a community leader. Her influence and accomplishments are applauded.Her memory is a blessing.Love,Barbara Connelly Cohen"
"My deepest sympathy to Pat?s Family. A fabulous lady and will be missed by so many people.I had the privilege of spending many hours with her at Golden Hill on the Alzheimer?s unit. Her wonderful husband and mine were residents and Pat and I shared many moments together. She was so smart, very kind and had a fabulous sense of humor.I am away till Sunday and will miss being able to attend the Mass but she will be in my prayers and although very sad I am happy she has gone home and is now with John and familyLiz Hoffmann"
"My deepest sympathy to Pat?s Family. A fabulous lady and will be missed by so many people.I had the privilege of spending many hours with her at Golden Hill on the Alzheimer?s unit. Her wonderful husband and mine were residents and Pat and I shared many moments together. She was so smart, very kind and had a fabulous sense of humor.I am away till Sunday and will miss being able to attend the Mass but she will be in my prayers and although very sad I am happy she has gone home and is now with John and familyLiz Hoffmann"
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"Our sincere sympathy and thoughts are with all of Pats family and dear friends. As we are gathered on the Cape for Thanksgiving, I read the obituary to my mother in law to Marie, and all of the family. The memories of Pat were many and the most heard comment was how wonderful a lady she was. We are all grateful that we had the opportunity to know her. God bless, Bill, Barbara and the entire Ryan family. We will not be on town for her services."