Obituary of Arlene Murphy

On Wednesday, December 26^th, 2018, the hearts of many lost a mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.  Arlene T. Murphy, 77, was always willing to be the person those around her  needed her to be; someone to lean on, to laugh with, and most importantly, was a source of never-ending love. 

Arlene Murphy was born August 5^th, 1941 in West Carthage. The 7^th child of 13 to Clarence and Hazel (Hayes) Thompson.  She truly embraced being the middle child.  Throughout her life, she was the heart of her family.  She always said she was the lucky one because she grew up having a special relationship with her older and younger siblings.  Not only carrying the special title of “middle child”, Arlene was also a part of the “twins” with her brother, Arnold. Growing up on the family farm on the East Road in Lowville, the Thompsons shared their caring for one another.  Even as they grew up and moved miles apart, they never let go of each other.

 Arlene continued to be her family’s heart as she began her own family on September 15, 1962, marrying Jack Edward Murphy at the First Baptist Church in Castorland. Jack and Arlene spent 40 years of marriage raising their two beloved children, Robin and Doug.  Their love for family was made whole, having 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Jack and Arlene made everyone family, taking in and loving all those who needed them.

Arlene worked in a variety of capacities, each focused on how she could help those using her knowledge and skills. She took great pride in her role at the Town of Wilna Housing Authority where she was employed for 27 years as a senior account clerk. She spoke about how she loved her job and that she was able to take care of people and make sure they had safe and affordable housing.  As Arlene would say, there is always someone in need and she found joy in helping the tenants of Brady Acres and Long Falls Apartments, commonly known as the High Rise.

She is survived by a daughter, Robin (Richard) Monroe of Brownville; a son, Douglas (Robbie) Murphy of Natural Bridge; six grandchildren, Chelsea, Abby, RJ, Jamie, Jonathan, Anthony and his companion Kelsea, and two great-grandsons, Camden Jack and Gunner James; Companion of many years, Richard Vock of Redwood; five siblings, a twin brother Arnold (Nina) Thompson; June (John) Waite; Paul (Sandy) Thompson; Susan (John) Howard; and Steve Thompson, as well as three sisters-in-law, Irene Thompson; Pauline Thompson; and Dava Thompson.

Arlene is predeceased by her loving husband, Jack Murphy; five brothers, Bill, Robert, Neil, John, and Jim Thompson as well as two sisters, Patricia Brandt and Christine Thompson.

Arlene’s greatest joy in life was being “Mama” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and Jack enjoyed sharing all aspects of their grandchildren’s lives, whether it be on a field watching a sporting event in the coldest of weather, or on the loud race track. Mama was always there.

Arlene’s other great passion was helping others.  If someone was in need, they could call on Arlene.  She was truly an angel to anyone who knew her.   Arlene's strong faith gave her the ability to show others that God is our strength and our refuge,  and through Him we find peace.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 4, 2019 from 3-7 PM at Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., 500 State St., Carthage. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Carthage with Pastor Lori Hickey officiating.  Burial will be held in the Spring at Hillside Cemetery in Champion.

Donations in Arlene’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society local chapter at 6725 Lyons St, East Syracuse, NY 13057 or the American Heart Association local chapter at 2 Clinton Square Suite 305 Syracuse, NY 13202.

Arrangements are entrusted to Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc. Condolences may be made online at www.lundyfuneralhome.com.

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