Lucy Murphy

Born March 26, 1926 in Pekin to Lawrence and Lucrezia (Colledani) Ghidina, she married Harvey Edward Murphy in 1946 in Pekin.  He died October 29, 1982.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Norma LaBarr, Mary VanDyke, and Darlene Lowman; and two brothers, August Ghidina and Lawrence “Jr.” Ghidina.

Surviving are one daughter, Diana (Farrell) Trueblood of Pekin; three grandchildren, Thomas (Julie) Svendsen, Trisha (Terry) Meyers, and Todd Svendsen, all of Pekin; six great-grandchildren, Tommy, Erica, Zach, Hunter, Nick, and Alexa; one brother, John Ghidina of Pekin; one sister, Pauline Filarski of Pekin; and many nieces and nephews.

Lucy had worked as a switch board operator at a local telephone company and later for Standard Brands in Pekin.  She then worked at Libby’s in Morton.

She was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, where she worked at the church bazaar for many years.  She was also a member of the Council of Catholic Women and the former Italian-American Club in Pekin.

Lucy cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed attending their activities.  She also was a loving and giving aunt to her many nieces and nephews.  She enjoyed bowling in past years.

Her memorial Mass will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, with Father Michael Andrejek as celebrant.  Private burial of cremated remains will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Central Illinois Chapter, 606 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, IL  61614.

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

The family would like to thank the staff of Autumn Accolade who became family to them and for all of their love and care and to Harbor Light Hospice for their wonderful care of Lucy.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com