Mary E. (Clarkin) Murphy

Surrounded by her family, friends and wonderful caretakers, Mary E. (�Mitzie�) Murphy, 82, of Springfield, MA passed away at home on August 25, 2014 after a lengthy illness. Born on May 5, 1932 in Springfield to William and Mary Ellen (O�Brien) Clarkin, she had many fond memories of growing up in the Upper Hill neighborhood of Springfield. Mitzie graduated from Classical High School in 1950. She attended Bay Path Junior College, graduating in 1952 from the medical secretarial program. She enjoyed a 42 year career as a medical secretary and was employed for many years with the surgical practice of Drs. Pace, Chabot, Guardione, Page and Alexander. Mitzie was a longtime parishioner of St. Paul�s Roman Catholic Church. She participated in many church activities including the Ladies Guild and knitting club. A devout Catholic, she received strength and solace from the practice of her faith. Mitzie was a kind and gentle soul. She faced the challenging times in her life with courage and perseverance. As a 26-year survivor of breast cancer, she participated in the Rays of Hope Walk and Survivors Day. Mitzie enjoyed visiting with friends, caring for her cats, taking her dog Jack for walks in the neighborhood, sitting in her yard watching the birds, luncheons with her Bay Path classmates, attending University of Hartford women�s basketball games and vacationing in Ogunquit, ME. Mitzie was predeceased in 1961 by her first husband Thomas E. Flanagan. She was remarried in 1974 to James S. Murphy, who passed away in 2002. Mitzie is survived by her son Peter C. Flanagan and his wife Medina of Downer�s Grove, IL, her daughter Susan M. Flanagan of Springfield, a step-son Jack Murphy and his wife Kim of Chicopee, and a step-daughter Carol M. Lucic and her husband Milan of Ellington, CT. Surviving Mitzie as well are her grandchildren Scott Murphy and his fianc� Lis Alba, Shaun Murphy, Milan Lucic and his wife Joy, and Taylor Lucic. Mitzie is also survived by her devoted friend and sister-in-law Madeline Flanagan, cousin Sally Chapman, sisters-in-law Eleanor Mitchell and Jeanette White, brother-in-law Walter Goltz, and several wonderful nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother William L. Clarkin and her step-daughter Susan M. Murphy. Mitzie treasured the friendships she made during her lifetime. She also leaves her lifelong friends Faith Johnson and Nancy Eaton. Also, her caring friends Kay McLaren, Barbara Arborio, Tony and Margaret Giammarino, Wendy Crews and Meagan Walczak. Mitzie will be greatly missed by her beloved pets Owney, Teddy and Jack. The family is very grateful to the staff of Murphy-Avis Assisted Living Services, including Helen Murphy-Avis, Sue Bushey, Dawn Walczak, Peggy Phillips, Donna Allen, Deb Monarca, Madelyne Zayas, Lucy Ruel, Christa Ginsberg, Melanie Wright, Yvonne Hill, Candace Arnold and Holly Wedderspoon for the compassionate care provided to Mitzie the past three years. The family would like to thank Spectrum Hospice Care and hospice nurses Alena and Stella for the care provided to Mitzie the final weeks of her life. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 29th from 3:00 � 7:00 pm at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham. Funeral Saturday at 9:00 am at Wilbraham Funeral Home followed by Mass at 10:00 am at St. Michael�s Church, 128 Maple St., East Longmeadow. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mitzie�s name to the Rays of Hope, 280 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199 and Jewish Geriatric Services, 770 Converse Street, Longmeadow, MA 01106. �Miss me a little but not too long, and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared. Miss me � but let me go.�