In loving memory of

Leonora Murphy
February 19, 1933 - July 17, 2011

Newport, RI - Leonora N Murphy, 78, of 1 Greenlaw Boulevard, Newport, RI, died Sunday, July 17, 2011 at The Grand Islander Health Care Center, Middletown, RI surrounded by her loving family. Born in Newport, RI on February 19, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Joseph L. and Mary Medeiros Nunes.Leonora was a 1950 graduate of St. Catherine Academy and a 1954 graduate of Mount Saint Mary College of New Hampshire, receiving a BA in Education. She earned her Masters degree from URI. Leonora was a teacher for 38 years in the Middletown School System. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma IOTA Chapter, the Middletown Retired Educators Association, and Newport County Retired Teachers. She was a past Vice President of NEA Middletown, serving as a delegate to the NEA RI and National Assemblies. Leonora was a member of the Viking Bridge Club and was a regional master working to become a life master of bridge. She loved playing bingo. When her children were younger she was very active in the National Little League and Newport Babe Ruth Leagues. Leonora was a communicant of Jesus Savior Church. She is survived by her children, Terence M. Murphy, Jr. and his wife Donna Botelho Murphy of Middletown, RI, Brian L. Murphy and his wife Anne Bowen Murphy of Wakefield, RI, Margaret M. Murphy of Tiverton, RI, and Katheryn E. Gilligan and her husband John P. Gilligan III of Santa Barbara, CA, Elizabeth A. Amoros of Middletown, RI, her sister Elaine Lewis of Middletown, RI, and her grandchildren, Lt. Patrick J. Murphy, USN, of San Diego, CA, Terence M. Murphy III of Newport, RI, Daniel E. Murphy of Middletown, RI, Kristen M. Amoros of Newport, RI, Eric A. Amoros and Sarah E. Amoros both of Middletown, RI, and Jack P. Gilligan and Matthew R. Gilligan of Santa Barbara, CA. and 36 nieces and nephews.She was the mother of the late Patrick Joseph Murphy, the sister of the late Joseph L. Nunes, John F. Nunes and Mary K. Baker. She was the former wife of the late Terence M. Murphy.Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2011 from 4-7pm, in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.Her funeral will be held on Friday, July 22, 2011, at 9:00 am from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Jesus Savior Church, Broadway and Vernon Avenue, Newport.Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown.In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Middletown Retired Educators Association Scholarship Fund, 781 Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

Tributes

Pat Canning / Cheryl Carvalho .. wrote on Jul 17, 2011:

"We are saddened by the loss of our treasured friend and former colleague. She held a special place in our hearts. Remembrances of her quick mind, humor, generosity, love of food, and competitive nature help bring a smile at this time. Sorry we couldn't have been up there with you all."

Sharon Sullivan - August 02, 2.. wrote on Jul 17, 2011:

"OMG I had no idea Leonora passed away. I feel awful I didn't attend her services. Leonora had such a special place in my heart and I write this now with tears!!! I am so blessed to have known her. My deepest sympathy to the entire Murphy family. Sharon Sullivan"

Pam Sullivan McCann - July 23,.. wrote on Jul 17, 2011:

"My condolences to all the Murphy Family on Leonora's passing. She was The Mom of the ole neighborhood. Fond memories of playing with her brood."

sharon Mello - July 22, 2011 a.. wrote on Jul 17, 2011:

"My Deepest sympathy to each and everyone of you. She loved all of you very much."

Tanya Souza - July 21, 2011 at.. wrote on Jul 17, 2011:

"Margaret, Linda, Terry, Donna, Lizzie, Kathy, Brian & all the grandchildren I am deeply sorry for your pain at this time. Your mom talked about all of you every day. I really loved your mom!! I'm so happy & blessed to have known her. Leonora Murphy will forever be missed & will never be forgotten. I know she is a happy little angel in heaven. Thinking of you all! God bless, Tanya Souza"

Paul Carpender - July 21, 2011.. wrote on Jul 17, 2011:

"Brian, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

Christopher Hyder - July 20, 2.. wrote on Jul 17, 2011:

"Dear Brian & Anne; Please accept heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your Mom. I hope good memories are able to sustain you during this difficult time. Respectfully ~ Chris"

Terence Nunes - July 20, 2011 .. wrote on Jul 17, 2011:

"I am absolutely sure that if there was a "Book of Life", Aunt Leonora and the family covered all of it. She had the most amazing life teaching others and doing all kind of events with the relatives. To put up with all you kids growing up was a major chore in itself. HaHa. What a great and loving lady. We all will miss her. She was so nice to everyone. Bless her soul."

Janet R. Lavoie - July 20, 201.. wrote on Jul 17, 2011:

"Margaret & Family, My thoughts & prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time. Janet"

Patrick Murphy - July 19, 2011.. wrote on Jul 17, 2011:

"Too many cherished memories to list here....you will be missed!! Wish I could be there...I am glad I got to see you over the Fourth of July -Patrick"

Charles Golden - July 19, 2011.. wrote on Jul 17, 2011:

"Terry and Family My condolences on your loss."

Mary & Frank - July 19, 2011 .. wrote on Jul 17, 2011:

"Kristen & Family, I know this is a very sad time for you all. Keep in mind that we will all be together in the end. So it is not goodbye, just see you later. She will be waiting with open arms for her loving family. All our love & prayers."

O. Cooper - July 19, 2011 at 1.. wrote on Jul 17, 2011:

"May you find comfort at this sad time. John 5:28,29 lets us know that God feels your pain. He promises a resurrection of all in his memory. What a grand reunion that will be. Please accept my sincere condolences."