Mary Grace Murphy

Mary was born in South Dakota on February 2, 1938, to Emmett and Maybelle (Hughes) Grace. She was one of seven siblings raised in Denver, Colorado; Mary cherished her time surrounded by family, friends, and the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

A Holy Family High School graduate, Mary developed a love for the arts and was an active member of the Empire Lyric Players, performing in numerous Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. She continued her education at Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, earning a bachelor’s degree.

Mary was a lifelong learner with a deep commitment to her Catholic faith. Her dedication to the Church was evident through her many years of service; she brought communion to the homebound with St. Thomas Moore, spent hours in Adoration, and embarked on pilgrimages to religious sites across Europe. Mary also devoted her time and energy to the Catholic Charities of Denver. She spent many days working in downtown Denver at the Samaritan House, helping people experiencing homelessness with job counseling and offering advice and support.

As a devoted mother to her three children—Matthew, Justin, and Meghan and a loving grandmother to Nicole, Kate, and Ryan, Mary’s life revolved around her family and friends. Her joyful spirit and social nature made her a beloved friend and aunt to many. Whether playing bridge, enjoying the great outdoors, or simply sharing stories, Mary’s warmth and humor brought people together.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett and Maybelle (Hughes) Grace; brother Joseph (Judy) Grace, brother John Grace; brother Tom Grace; sister Ann Vogt; and daughter, Meghan Murphy.

Mary is survived by her son, Matthew (Andrea) Murphy, and their two children, Nicole and Ryan Murphy; son, Justin Murphy, and his daughter, Kate Barrett-Murphy; brother, Michael (Patricia) Grace; and her (writer of this document-proclaimed) favorite nieces, Jennifer and Melissa Grace; sister, Kathleen (Grace) Larson. And many other nieces, nephews, and extra special people (you know who you are!)

All who knew her will deeply miss Mary’s kindness, generosity, and steadfast faith. She leaves a legacy of love, service, and devotion to others.

Instead of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver in Mary’s memory (dedication), reflecting her lifelong dedication to helping others. https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/CCDenver

A memorial Mass in honor of Mary will be held on Nov. 25, 2024, at 11 a.m., at St. Thomas Moore Church, 8035 South Quebec Street, Centennial, CO 80112. A viewing and rosary will be held on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 6 p.m., at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 6601 South Colorado Boulevard, Centennial, CO 80121. Please join us.