Alice M. Murphy, 91, of Huntley, died peacefully, August 14, 2021, with her loving children by her side.
Visitation will be held August 26, 2021, from 10:00am until the 11:00am service at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church - Huntley. For those who are unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at www.sotp.org. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Alice was born August 3, 1930, to Ralph and Alice Brigham in Staten Island, NY. She was a devoted and wonderful mother and grandmother, or “Gahmer,” as her grandchildren called her. She treasured her many friends, old and new. Alice was smart, kind, and generous. She was devoted to helping others, always looked out for the underdog, and rejoiced in celebrating others’ successes. Alice was a faithful, joyful member of Shepherd of the Prairie Church since its earliest days.
Alice loved her many years of living in Crystal Lake and working as the executive assistant to the superintendent of District 155 schools. After retiring, she went back to work helping her children start their business and retired again at the age of 85. Alice was also a longtime volunteer at the Sherman Hospital Auxiliary Thrift shop. Some of Alice’s other passions included sautéed soft shell crabs, the color purple, the Cubs and every kind of pastry.
She will be deeply missed by her beloved children, Roberta (Eric) Ward, Doug Murphy, and Dale (Kevin) Emmet, her adored grandchildren, Emily, Allison, Keely, Griffen, Davis, Cara, Murphy, and Allis and her cherished great grandson, Kyler. She is also survived by her devoted sister, Nancy (Reggie) Miller and several nieces.
Alice was preceded in death by her devoted sister, Bobbie and her nephew, Jeff.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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It was in the 1970’s that I had the pleasure of becoming friends with Roberta and often going over to the Murphy’s home. Mrs. Murphy was always so welcoming with her bubbly personality , smile and twinkling eyes. She had a way of making me feel comfortable right away. And her giggle, I just love the thought of it. So Mrs. Murphy, I pray you are giggling with delight as Jesus opens up His home to you and welcomes you in! Until we meet again, Sue (Carlson)Boyter
Dear Family of Alice, I'm so sorry for your loss. Alice was such a lovely lady and will be missed by many. She was one of my Shepherd of the Prairie greeters and was always willing and eager to greet. I loved seeing her smiling face and hearing her cheery voice.
Dear Roberta Doug & Dale, Aunt Alice was always the proudest mom! With good reason, you are the kindest, most loving & giving children that a mom could ask for! I feel fortunate to have spent your family’s early years together with our family in Montvale. I have fond memories of all of us traveling around in Aunt Alice’s red station wagon. We are keeping you & your whole family in our thoughts & prayers! Sending much love, Susan & Rob
Dear Roberta Doug & Dale, Aunt Alice was always the proudest mom! With good reason, you are the kindest, most loving & giving children that a mom could ask for! I feel fortunate to have spent your family’s early years together with our family in Montvale. I have fond memories of all of us traveling around in Aunt Alice’s red station wagon. We are keeping you & your whole family in our thoughts & prayers! Sending much love, Susan & Rob
What a great lady - miss her already!! She was loved by everyone. You were lucky To have her for your Mother!!
To know Alice was to love her. Her warmth and kindness reached out and embraced you. She was so intelligent and witty. Any conversation with Alice turned into a happy time. I know her three outstanding children will continue to spread her goodness. I knew Alice for over 50 years. It was my joy and honor.
Dear Roberta, Doug, and Dale (and families), We're far away in Arizona now, but are sending our deepest condolences to all of you. Your mom was a kind, cheerful, wonderful long-time friend, and we will always remember our many great times together! We're glad we have 40+ years of memories & pictures to cherish. We're grateful that the service will be streamed, and we'll be "there", virtually. Hugs to all of you! Chris & Pat Seyer
What a gift Alice was for the Crystal Lake School District #155. She was a gracious woman who was kind and generous to everyone. She ALWAYS had a smile even though she was constantly being interupted during her daily activities as the Superintendent's assistant. Alice was welcoming and enthusiastic. As part of the teaching staff at Central, I was privileged to know and interact with her every day. What a gift she was to all of us. My condolences to her beautiful children.
Dear Dale, Remembering your wonderful mother and wishing you comfort. Your mom had a heart of gold, kind, and a smile that I will never forget. Whenever she would see me in the halls at Central or when I worked at Jewel. She would always stop me and ask how I was doing. My thoughts and my prayers are with you and your family.
I spent many hours during the early 80's at the Murphy residence. Playing all mannor of nerf sports, football, and playing the "occasional" poker game. Mrs. Murphy always made coming over like going to a second home. She was always happy to see you and cared deeply about you and your family. She had a sparkle in her eye and giggle that made the world a nicer place. The world has lost but Heaven has gained a truly special lady. Our deepest condolences to Roberta, Doug, Dale and the extended family.
Dear Dale, Doug, and Roberta, I am so very sorry for the loss of your wonderful mom. Gracious is the first word that comes to my mind. I enjoyed our brief chats at CLC when we would run into each other in the zerox room or superintendent's office. Always smiling and genuinely interested in how I was doing, she would update me on Dale and Doug, who were in my class, and also Roberta . She was so proud of her children. Later when she retired and then when I retired, I would see her at Jewel and a few times at the First United Methodist Church for worship service. All three of you were so fortunate to have such a lovely lady in your lives.
Dear Dale, Doug, and Roberta, I am so very sorry for the loss of your wonderful mom. Gracious is the first word that comes to my mind. I enjoyed our brief chats at CLC when we would run into each other in the zerox room or superintendent's office. Always smiling and genuinely interested in how I was doing, she would update me on Dale and Doug, who were in my class, and also Roberta . She was so proud of her children. Later when she retired and then when I retired, I would see her at Jewel and a few times at the First United Methodist Church for worship service. All three of you were so fortunate to have such a lovely lady in your lives.
Doug, May the valley (23rd Psalm) you are now experiencing be filled with memories of a loving mother and the ways she touched you, the family and the community propel you to phenomenal growth and evangelist zeal, similar to Mrs. Murphy. There is a brighter day coming in which your light will shine even brighter. Embrace your moments of sorrow and thanksgiving. God bless and keep you. Peace and love, Etheline G. Thomas
The Peace Hospice Team wishes to express our sincere condolences to Alice’s family and friends. We are honored that we could provide care and companionship to Alice and her family on her final journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
My prayers for Alice and condolences to the family, a wonderful woman has left us, I shall always remember her jolly spirit and efforts on behalf of District 155. Memories of Alice's smiling face shall sustain all of you.
I am so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. I loved your mom! What a wonderful family. We had so many great times together and have so many memories! My thought and prayers with you and your family.
Roberta, Doug and Dale, so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. I'm glad my mom and I were able to visit with her and Dale last summer. Her generous heart and kind spirit will be missed by everyone who knew her. Only your mom would be afraid to pick up a dog and treat one so lovingly (lucky Puff)! That was the epitome of your mom - always thinking of others. I'm so glad our moms were able to be there for each other through so many years with their late night walks and many phone calls. I'm also glad to have known your mom who will always be known as "Mrs. Murphy" to me!
Dale, Doug and Roberta- I am very saddened by this news. What a wonderful beautiful person your Mom was inside and out. I will forever remember her living smile. Laurie Laudicina Fleck.