Gael Murphy, 75, of Naples, Fla. and Avondale, Pa., passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, January 27, 2019. Gael was born in Fort Bragg, N.C., on August 20, 1943 to Cornelius and Phyllis Murphy. She grew up as an “army brat,” and spent time in Colorado, Governor’s Island, N.Y.; Germany, Olean, N.Y.; Philipsburg, N.J., and Fort Sill, Okla. — where she began her studies at the University of Oklahoma graduating with a degree in Latin. It was there that she met a young, army officer from Saint Bonaventure University, John Peter “Pete” Murphy. They were married in Fort Monroe, Va., in September 1963 and her military lifestyle continued as they moved to Germany where their firstborn daughter Pam was born. Soon after, the trio headed to Fort Bliss, Texas where John arrived. After Pete left the service, the family moved to Connecticut and ultimately settled in New Jersey welcoming Matt, Kevin, Christopher and Juliet. Gael was a devoted and nurturing mother to her six children and focused on raising them all to be strong, independent people. She could often be found behind the wheel of her station wagon shuttling her kids to and from various sports practices and activities, as well as on the sidelines of the football field, baseball diamond, basketball court and field hockey field. She managed a busy household with a healthy dose of humor making lasting memories for the entire clan. Gael’s love for animals was strong and over the years an already hectic house was also home to many dogs, cats and even two horses. The back window of her station wagon soon filled with college stickers as she and Pete made sure a good education was a top priority for their children. As the household emptied, Gael began a career as a real estate agent where she thrived finding homes for families. She continued her career when she and Pete relocated to Delaware in 1994. Gael was also deeply devoted in her Catholic faith. Each new local parish added to her growing religious community of friends. Without a doubt, Gael’s greatest joy was being a Grandmother. She was thrilled to welcome each and every one of her 11 grandchildren – all of whom quickly learned that Grandma’s house was full of love and spoiling. She enjoyed watching them all grow up as she was back on the sidelines of sporting events, recitals, parades and graduations. A full house with grandkids by her side filled her heart with pride as she bragged about each of their achievements and milestones. After Pete’s retirement, the two became “snowbirds” spending winters in Naples, Fla., where she enjoyed visits from family, spending time with friends, walking her dog and participating in Bible study groups. Gael was also an avid follower of local and national news — especially politics — rarely missing her daily conservative talk radio program. Gael is predeceased by her husband Pete and her beloved son Christopher. She is survived by her sons John (Corinne) of West Chester, Pa.; Matthew (Annie) of Kennett Square, Pa.; and Kevin (Rena) of Avondale, Pa.; and daughters Phyllis “Pam” Murphy (John Davis) of Chevy Chase, Md., and Juliet Murphy (Michael Pehrson) of Landenberg, Pa; and her 11 cherished grandchildren: Erin, Lea and John Philip Davis; Kaelyn, Peter and Jillian Murphy; Kara and Chris Murphy; Danny and Mollie Murphy; and Lillian Pehrson. She is also survived by her brother Vincent (Linda) of The Villages, Fla. and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 31, 2019 from 5:00-7:00PM at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek, Wilmington, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 10:00AM at Saint Patrick’s Church, 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square, PA, immediately followed by interment in St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery, Greenville, DE. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Gael’s name to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, 4701 Ogletown-Stanton Rd, Newark, DE 19713. Donations may be made to: Helen F. Graham Cancer & Research Institute 4701 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark DE 19713 Web: www.christianacare.org/helenfgrahamcancercenter
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gael Ann Murphy August 20 1943 January 27 2019 (age 75).
Death notice for the town of: Wilmington, state: Delaware