79, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 25, 2016, having been surrounded by family and friends during her final days, when she returned to the loving embrace of her Heavenly Father and adoring husband. Renie was one of eleven children of William and Dorothy Flynn Barmettler of Omaha, Nebraska. She attended Duschene Academy in Omaha; she was a Fred Harvey girl at the Grand Canyon, and was selected as the College World Series Queen, her outer beauty outshone only by the radiance of her inner beauty. It was in Omaha that she met John F. Murphy, then a medical student at Creighton, and so began the love of a lifetime; the two absolutely cherished one another, and inspired everyone they met to revere the sacrament of marriage as the most sacred of vocations by their humble example. They moved to the Arcadia area in 1969, where they raised eight children, John, Michael, Shawna Murphy Woner (Jeffrey), Kevin (Deb), Anne Wuycheck (John), Dan (Libby), David (Shauna), and Brian (Jen). Although the mother of eight children of her own, Renie (or Lovey, as many called her) was
the surrogate mother of many, many more. The family never knew whether to set the dinner table for 10 or 20, but always knew there would be plenty of food and friendship in the Murphy home. Renie welcomed everyone; her love extended not only to family and friends, but to complete strangers, including refugees, whom she often welcomed into their family home. Renie graciously volunteered in a variety of capacities at St. Theresa Catholic Church. The Murphy home served as a sanctuary for parish priests, whether to swim in the pool; toast to the weekend; secure ideas for Sunday homilies; or debate the fine points of Catholic dogma. While many entered as strangers, her warm and welcoming embrace made everyone feel like family. She is survived by her 8 loving children and their much loved spouses, 21 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren (plus 3 on the way) and her siblings, Bill, Joe, Mike, Patsy, Jim, Denny, Danny and much loved baby sister, Ann Hug and her husband, Jerry, as well as adoring nieces, nephews and loved ones on both sides of the family. The Murphy children would like to express their most sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Sunrise of Scottsdale Assisted Living and Alzheimer’s home and Americare Hospice for the outstanding care and compassion for not only Renie, but the entire family. Please join the family in celebrating Renie’s life and legacy at a Funeral Mass on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 3:30 PM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 10815 N. 84th Street in Scottsdale, with a reception at the Woner family home immediately to follow. In lieu of flowers, Renie would love to make a difference, so donations to The Doc and Renie Murphy Fund through the Catholic Community Foundation to benefit St. Vincent de Paul, scholarships, and other charitable pursuits, would be welcomed ccfphx.org/donate. Mostly, she would be honored if you would simply do an act of kindness for another in her honor. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
John Guiliano
Thank you Mrs. Murph. Getting “home” on time was always easy knowing that you would be there. I’m forever grateful to both you and Doc for giving a “homeless” kid a home. I send my love to all of the Murph’s.
Love. John Guiliano
Susie Danesi and family
My love to the entire Murphy family.
Bruce Lagman
I didn’t know you well, having only had a handful of conversations with you over the years after I was introduced to your entire ridiculously large family. I suppose that’s part of the beauty of someone like you… I didn’t need to speak with you directly to know exactly who you were. It was plainly evident in the children I did have the pleasure of getting to know. In the way they speak to one another. OK maybe that’s a bad example, how about in the way they treat each other and treat others in general. In the caring, giving, sharing, kind and compassionate way they walk through life. What a tribute to you and your legacy. What better way to watch your values, virtues and beliefs spring to life than to bear witness to them in your children and your children’s children?
When I am privileged to be in the presence of all the Murphy’s, I feel a sense of belonging and a sense of family so prevalent it’s almost overpowering. I weep for those who hail from small families who can gather entirely in one’s kitchen, for they will never enjoy or be embraced by the sheer magnitude of the enormous family concept. Where nieces and nephews run about like brother and sister, where “in-law” doesn’t mean indifferent and aunts and uncles are seemingly interchangeable with moms and dads. Where life and love are taught and learned every single day. This, I believe, is your doing. This is the life work of someone who cared in a way that was so far-reaching that it will extend generations even of nobody ever steps up to carry the torch.
I didn’t get to know you, but thanks to those composed of you, I do know you well. For I see your kindness in their eyes. I feel your warmth in their handshakes and your zest for life in their adventures. And as long as there is but one Murphy roaming this vast and wonderful earth, everyone will know you and know that you made this world a better place, one child at a time. Rest in peace Mrs. Murphy. Give my best to Doc.
Kathleen Ross
Although I’ve only had the privilege of knowing Renie and the beautiful Murphy family for just a little over 3 years how they have all touched my life in many ways. To witness the love and respect within this family is a complete reflection to the love of our Lord and their devout Faith to the Catholic Church. Thank you Murphy family for sharing your beautiful mother with us. May God continue to Bless you all.
Amy MacIntosh Hopewell
I’m so sorry. I know her passing will be difficult. She was an inspiration to many, a wonderful mother to her children and a gift to all who knew her.
Rachel Collins
A wonderful lady with a beautiful smile that always made you feel special.
Thank you Mrs. Murphy for all the smiles that brightened our day.
Charlie Forker
God Bless you All!
Kris Doss Scott
This is a woman who touched my heart at a young age. I was in grade school. She was always kind and gracious. She was a perfect example of what a mother,a friend, a caregiver, a leader and nurturer should be . She always smiled and made you feel welcome in their home. As a result her whole family made you feel the same way! I feel truly blessed to have her touch my life and show me what selfless kindness is. Blessed is her soul raised to heaven. She is an angel.
Lori Mendicino
To John and the entire Murphy family, May fond memories ease your pain during this very difficult time. Prayers and peace to all.
Julie Baxter
Your legacy is raising kind and generous children and grandchildren. To encounter a Murphy or Wuycheck is like a breath of fresh air. They always bring out the best in you. Thank you for making the world a better place. May you rest in peace.