Gwen Theresa Murphy

Gwen Theresa Murphy was born on May 9th, 1961, in Manhattan. She remained a proud Bronx girl throughout her life even as she ventured to many new places. Truly “born to run”, Gwen lived in five other states during her life, at different points calling Connecticut, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Texas home. She wholeheartedly embraced Texas’s rodeo traditions and Southern hospitality and was pleased to have been a Texan for over thirty years at the time of her death. Wherever she went, she created beautiful arts and crafts and sought out time at her forever happy place, the beach.

At Gwen’s core was her love for her family and her faith in Jesus Christ and His Church. She devoted her life to ensuring her children grew up steeped in beauty and truth. The faith she passed on to them and the loving home she created are her enduring legacy. She made sure they attended Catholic schools and invested tremendous time and effort into volunteering there and at her home parish, Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Community. Famous for her elaborate Vacation Bible School sets, she also put her talents to work assisting St. John Paul II Catholic School’s art department and serving the Strake Jesuit/St. Agnes Academy band and orchestra booster club, including a stint as co-president.

Everyone who encountered Gwen could speak to her generous spirit. In spite of— or perhaps because of —the many losses and hardships she faced during her life, she approached everyone with the utmost kindness. Friends and family alike were enriched by her advice, care, and thoughtful, often beautifully handmade gifts. Her care packages were legendary. She could always be counted on for whatever love and support anyone needed, whether that entailed drying away tears (and replacing them with laughter) or rolling up her sleeves to get things done. Even in the hospital, suffering from cancer and its complications, her focus was always on her visitors’ and carers’ concerns.

Gwen’s presence was full of brightness and warmth. She was the greatest mother, sister, and friend anyone could have asked for. She was an immeasurably special person and will be missed more than words can express.

Gwen is survived by her sister, Donna Murphy; her two children, Rachael and Ryan Lanier; and many friends she loved as family. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Catherine Murphy; her sister, Ellen Wamsley; and her brother, Joseph Murphy. Flowers can be sent to Katy Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, we invite donations to medical debt relief charity RIP Medical Debt (https://ripmedicaldebt.org/).