Evelyn Ingalls Murphy

Evelyn (Ingalls) Murphy, 97, of Scituate died peacefully surrounded by family after a brief period of failing health at Queen Anne’s Nursing Home in Hingham. Born and raised in Richford, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Marion (LaPlant) and Ernest Ingalls. Evelyn graduated from Richford High School where she played tennis and basketball, and Becker Junior College. After spending many years raising four children, she returned to work at Morse Shoe in Canton where she quickly advanced from administrative roles to writing copy in the advertising department. She later went on to be the first woman sales agent hired by John Hancock in the Boston area. When she retired, Evelyn discovered a previously unknown artistic talent and spent the next 30 years delighting in water colors and acrylics, brightening the homes of family and friends with her beautiful florals, landscapes, and seascapes. For many years, calendars displaying her paintings were enjoyed by so many. What began as a gift to her children, became a “must-have” treasure for a very extended family.

Evelyn could be most defined by all who knew her for her indelible, determined, and loving warm spirit. She lived in a world of rich relationships, and touched so very many with her generosity and kindness. She delighted in others’ stories, and always had a ready, warm, and welcoming smile, so filled with appreciation and gratitude for even the smallest gesture of kindness shown. Her life was defined by her love of family, and she lit up in their presence. Evelyn is survived by 4 adoring children: Sharon Mitchell of Harwich; Kenna Liatsos and her husband, Leo, of Orleans; John Kelly and his wife, Barbara-Lee, of Plymouth; and Kim Harriman and her husband, Nate, of Scituate. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Kelly Gardner, Michael Mitchell, Daniel Mitchell, Susan Kashmanian, Jill Johnson, Christopher Kelly, Michael Kelly, Timothy Kelly, Jake Harriman, and Annie Harriman; 9 great grandchildren, a niece and nephew, and many devoted friends. She was predeceased by her younger brother, Albert Ingalls, of Burlington, Vermont; and dear companion, Jack Gage, of Scituate.

Evelyn’s family would like to extend deepest thanks to the staff of Queen Anne Nursing Home in Hingham for becoming a second family to Evelyn during her last two years. Their care and love were felt by her, and by us, and their tears upon her passing meant the world to us. She loved her team of caregivers, and was treated as if she were their own family. Additional appreciation goes to her hospice nurse, Fiona, of Hospice of the South Shore for her kindness, guidance, and calm as we prepared for the loss of our beloved mother and grandmother.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate, MA. Funeral service will be at 2:30 P.M. at First Trinitarian Congregational Church, 381 Country Way, Scituate followed by interment at Trinity Park Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to First Trinitarian Congregational Church, 381 Country Way, Scituate in support of their senior luncheons which Evelyn enjoyed for so many years.