Livonia: At age 97, Dorothy passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Born August 5, 1925 to Dan and Florine (Rowe) Damon. Predeceased by her parents; beloved husband, John J. Murphy; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dan & Ruth Damon and Dick & Lois Damon.
Survived by her 5 children, Eileen (Tom) Dutton, Joseph (Leah) Murphy, Louise Murphy, John Jr. (Belinda) Murphy, and Marie (John) Green; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Dorothy was Salutatorian of the Class of 1942 at Livonia Central School. Upon graduation from Rochester Business Institute, she was employed at Eastman Kodak, and subsequently at SUNY Geneseo. Dorothy was devoted to her family, an avid reader, continually curious and, in her later years, a jigsaw puzzle enthusiast.
The family wishes to thank John Garneau MD, Angelo Pedulla MD, Janet Marshall, and all the caregivers who lovingly looked after her these past few years.
Friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 from 3PM-5PM at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree Street in Livonia, NY with a Memorial Service to follow at 5PM. Interment will take place privately prior to the service at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Geneseo, NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to: Wadsworth Library, 24 Center Street, Geneseo, NY 14454 or to: Avon Free Library, 143 Genesee Street, Avon, NY 14414 or to: Livonia Library, 2 Washington Street, Livonia, NY 14487. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
My sincerest condolences to the entire Murphy family.
John Murphy Jr. and family – A loss of a mother is indeed difficult but she lives on in your and others memories when you reflect on what a sweet soul she was. May you find comfort in that. May God give you grace and peace.
Our mother, Janet Marshall, loved her time with Dorothy. She speaks of her fondly and often. Condolences to all of you, she was a great lady. Mike, Karen & Molly
She was the Queen of Pennemite.
She knew a lot about the wide world, but never wanted anything more than home could provide (and, perhaps, a library). She cherished each of her five children, each for being special, each for their merits, each unconditionally. Her quiet laugh sent waves of love and warmth in all directions. Take a moment and close your eyes. You can feel them even now…
She was the Queen of Pennemite.
She lives now in the hearts and minds of her family, her friends, and of so many who knew her.
Long live the Queen!
Greg Copeland on July 24, 2023 said:
My sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom . God Bless You Dorothy!
My sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom . God Bless You Dorothy!
Aunt Dorothy was always so gentle and sweet, She would write me while I was in the Army and had a way of talking that you just don’t see much any more. She always took interest in what was going on and savored each moment. My condolences to the family.
Mrs. Murphy was truly one of a kind. I cannot think of a nicer, sweeter human. She never complained about the knocks on the door and visits from the little kids down the street or failed to support one of my endless fund raisers. While in college, she always had a big happy smile and kind words when I stopped by the library to get ‘a piece of home.’ She made a difference in my life. Mrs. Murphy was a wonderful person that will be greatly missed.
So sorry for your loss Joe, Leah and Murphy Family.
There is a sadness, not just in the Murphy family but in all those who knew Dorothy. She was the quintessential lady…not many to be found these days. Her devotion to family, friends, and acquaintances was trimmed with welcoming smiles. Feel truly blessed to have crossed paths.
Very sorry to hear about your mother she was a great lady. May she RIP
Joe, Leah and The Murphy Family, Chris and I are so sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing. She was such a great lady. May she RIP… Love, The Taft Family.
Dear Eileen, Joe, Lou, John and Marie and families,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Whenever I saw her, she had a wonderful smile and a warm greeting. My sincere condolences.
I wish I could be there in person, but I am leaving on Monday to continue my trip.
Love,
Judy
What a wonderful long life! And what a sweet woman. Sympathy and best wishes to my Murphy cousins.
Hi from Kay your mom was a great lady I saw her many times at the Hair dressershe was certainly a lady a lady all of her life
Dorothy was such a lovely person and my good fortune to work with her at the college in Geneseo many years ago. I send my deepest condolences to her family. Kate Kingsley.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Eileen and family. May God be with you during these difficult days. Gene & Sue
So sorry to hear the news of Dorothy’s passing. She was a beautiful lady, inside and out. My sincerest condolences to the entire Damon/Murphy family.
Dorothy Murphy was an extraordinary person, always the perfect lady, a wonderful listener and supporter of all her family and friends. As her neighbor, I can recall no incidence of friction or disagreement. She was a beacon of good will.
My sincere sympathy to all her loving family.
Pat Connell
And what a lovely lady she was…..she trusted her daughter with me for some
Sunday afternoon ice cream treat outings while we were still in school. Always
soft and gentle. She made an impression on this teen.
May I extend my sincere condolences to the Murphy family on the loss of your mom.
With loving memories,
May Your Mother RIP.