Joan A. Murphy

Joan Ann Murphy passed away on Thursday, November 3, 2022. Joan was born to David and Mary (Tangney) Barry in September 1935, grew up Cambridge, Mass., lived in Canton, Mass. for 45 years and retired to Cape Cod where she lived for nearly a decade with her husband Dennis.

Joan devoted her life, both professionally and privately, to helping others. She graduated from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital School of Nursing in Boston as an RN, after which she worked in hospitals and private practice as a surgical nurse.

Along with Dennis, she adopted two sons, D.J. Murphy, of Windham, N.H., and David Murphy of Bourne, Mass. She retired from nursing (temporarily) to raise her sons, fight and beat breast cancer, spend summers on Cape Cod, obtain a bachelor’s degree from Emmanuel College, spoil her six grandchildren and generally make the lives of those around her better.

As an empty-nester she returned to the medical field, teaching a new generation of nurse assistants for the American Red Cross. The well-being of those around her—family, friends, students, acquaintances and even strangers—was a priority for her. Often at the expense of her own comfort.

In addition to Dennis, D.J. and David, Joan is survived by daughters-in-law Karen (Callahan) Murphy and Betsy (Keefe) Murphy; grandchildren Andrew, Joe, Mikey, Molly, Jack and Kate; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Marie Butler.

There will be a visitation at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home on Sunday, November 13 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 14, at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Parish, followed by a burial at Massachusetts National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nickersonbourne.com for the Murphy family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nickersonbourne.com for the Murphy family. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory can be made to the American Red Cross.