Mary Ford Murphy

Mary Ford Murphy, 90, died peacefully in her sleep in Burien, WA on July 23, 2023, 19 years to the day after her beloved husband, Richard "Dick" Murphy, passed away. Born in Neptune, NJ, Mary was the youngest of four children born to Clyde and Marie (Mosley) Ford. Mary grew up quickly as a child of the Depression, World War 2, and when her mother died unexpectedly when Mary was 13 years old. While Mary was the kindest person you would ever meet, there was a strength to her that was undeniable. She was a true "Ford woman". Mary graduated from Bridgton Academy in Maine in 1951 and attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. While working at the campus radio station, Mary met "DJ" Dick Murphy and a great romance began. Mary decided that nursing was her vocation and left St. Lawrence to attend the Cornell School of Nursing in New York City. Dick graduated in 1953 and joined the Army. They continued their relationship and were married on January 12, 1955, in New York. Daughter Cathy was born in 1956 and, shortly thereafter, Dick was deployed to Korea for a year. Being a strong "Ford woman", Mary survived that year, but Dick left the Army shortly after his return.The next chapter of their lives is quite remarkable and it's unknown how either Dick or Mary survived. Dick attended Syracuse University School of Law beginning in the fall of 1958. Son Ed was born that fall, daughter Carolynn was born in July 1960, and son Barry was born in June 1961, right after Dick graduated. Mary was working nights as a nurse, except for her short maternity leaves. Dick was going to school during the day and working part time for the Veterans Administration. Mary took care of the children during the day and Dick had the nightshift. Somehow all six survived. Mary was a stay at home mother after Barry was born for the next twelve years. When she returned to nursing, she worked in many different capacities for the next 25 years. She taught nursing and worked in hospitals, doctor's offices, clinics, and nursing homes. She was a caregiver through and through, both personally and professionally. She cared for several friends and family members through the last days of their lives. After she retired, Mary enjoyed china painting, travel, and spending time with family and friends. The beach was her happy place, and she loved the Ford Family Reunions. They will not be the same without her and her siblings. Mary is survived by her three children, Ed Murphy (Drew) of Tacoma, Carolynn Murphy Hoey of Burien, and Barry Murphy (Eileen) of Walla Walla; seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Dick in 2004 and her daughter Catherine Marie Murphy in 1984. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Alzheimer's Association Washington State Chapter, 19031 33rd Avenue Ste 301, Lynnwood, WA 98036. The family would like to thank the wonderful people at Better Living Adult Family Home in Burien for the exceptional kindness and care they gave to Mary during the last three years of her life. They made her part of their family, and we are forever grateful for all that they did for her. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday September 8th at St. Louise Catholic Church, 141 156th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA .