Barbara (Zimmerman) Murphy

Barbara Murphy, 77, of Weston, MA died on October 9, 2023, following a lengthy illness. Barbara was born in 1946 to Sophie (Simons) Zimmerman & Barnet Zimmerman in Chelsea, MA. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Lois Cain; and her beloved husband of 51 years, Michael “Mike” Francis Murphy.

Barbara made her home in Sherborn, MA and Basking Ridge, NJ before retiring to Bluffton, SC to watch sunsets over the lake with her devoted husband Mike. Following her husband’s passing, she returned to Massachusetts to be closer to her dearly loved grandchildren. She was an alumna of Chelsea High School and Boston State Teachers College, and she enjoyed a brief career as a teacher prior to becoming a mother and serving as a volunteer in elder care facilities. Barbara had quite the sweet tooth, with a particular fondness for ice cream, a habit of squirreling away chocolates, and a joy of baking pumpkin bread for family and friends. She loved having her daily swim, traveling with Mike, and appreciating the arts.

Barbara is survived by her children, Mark “Malone” Murphy & wife Bria Dunham of Somerville, MA, and Jonathan Murphy of Missoula, MT; her grandchildren, Elliott and Oliver Dunham-Murphy; her sister, Judy Lafferty; and her twin brother, Michael Zimmerman.

Private services have been held.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Boston at https://www.jfcsboston.org/give/donate-online