Eileen Joyce Murphy

Loving mother of nine children, including two sets of twin boys

Mary Murphy, Gerald (the late Ginny) Murphy, Anne (Dennis) Renaud, Patricia (the late Terry) McParlane, Patrick (Karen) Murphy, Michael (Sandy) Murphy, Bridget (Dave) Carbott, James (Debbie) Murphy, and the late John (Lisbeth) Murphy

Sister of Michael (Mickey) Haag, Peter (Candace) Haag, and Kathleen Stephan

Dear Grandmother of 19 grandchildren and 14 great grand children

Aunt to 80 nieces and nephews

Eileen was born in a small farmhouse in Dickenson, North Dakota to Peter and Maude Haag and was the eldest of four children. At the age of eight, she moved to Detroit with her family, and brought the farm values of thrift and hard work with her to the city. There she attended St. Catherine’s grade school and graduated from St. Mary’s Commercial High School at the young age of 16 in 1947. From there, Eileen, also referred to as Joy by her mother, became a secretary for the Archdiocese of Detroit at the Chancery downtown. As a devout Catholic, she had many fond memories of her time working there, and thoroughly enjoyed sharing these stories with her children and grandchildren later in life.

At the Chancery, Eileen had the opportunity to work with several priests and nuns. One priest in particular suggested that Eileen meet his younger brother, Ed. Shortly after, Ed took her to a party for their first date in September of 1951. An Irishman through and through, Ed’s caring charm, love of singing and playing the harmonica at every social occasion, and true ability to work a room won her over, and there began their beautiful love story. They were married on June 14, 1952 and started a family the following year.

Together, Ed and Eileen raised nine children, and created countless Murphy family traditions – summer trips to Canada, day trips to Belle Isle and Bob-lo Island, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, holiday dinners, Easter parades, and the family favorite annual summer Vacation in Oscoda that is 29 years and counting. Parishioners of St. Brigid’s and then Our Lady Queen of Hope in Detroit, Ed and Eileen sent their children to school there, and formed many lifelong friendships. Family was always first for Eileen. She was the glue that held the family together, always present through many trying times lending strength and support to family and friends.

Life took an unexpected turn for Eileen when Edward was diagnosed with lung cancer. She lost him when she was only 61 and held him closely to her heart ever since. In 1996, Eileen retired from a 20-year long career as a secretary in the Pastoral Care Department at Providence hospital. She then volunteered at Angela Hospice, where she devoted her time for 16 years, touching the lives of so many during those years of service.

Eileen was at her happiest when she was surrounded by her family. Whether it was a holiday, birthday, or every occasion in between, it was the moments with loved ones that fulfilled her and brought her the most joy. She truly created a legacy in the Murphy family with Edward, one that will live on with Irish laughter, each tradition, and the unconditional love she lived with and gave to each member of her family.

A Memorial Celebration of Eileen's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to IHM Retirement Fund in Monroe, MI.