Therese Agnita Murphy

November 27, 1926 – October 6, 2021

 

Therese Agnita Murphy, 94, of Oakland, California, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 6, 2021.

 

Therese was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on November 27, 1926, one of 13 children to the late Thomas J. Murphy and Mary E. Murphy. A very tight-knit family, Therese loved her family dearly.  

 

Therese was predeceased by nine siblings, Margaret O’Donnell, Thomas Murphy, Mary Jemlich, John Murphy, Monica Clancy, Bernadette Parsons, Catherine Kane, Aurelie Amante, and Helen Heseltine. 

 

Therese was a loving daughter, sister, and mother. She is survived by her son Michael Lonergan and his wife Elaine Lonergan of Windham, New Hampshire and her daughters Mary Lonergan and Patricia Lonergan of Oakland, California. She also leaves her sister Ann Martino of California, her brother Andrew Murphy and sister-in-law Lorraine Murphy of Nevada, and her sister Michaela (Mickey) O’Neil and brother-in-law James O’Neil of California, and her former sister-in law Rita Quintal of Massachusetts as well as many nieces and nephews.

 

Growing up during the depression, Therese and her family experienced the kindness of neighbors when the family home was lost and family members were separated and taken in by different families. Kindness is an attribute shared by all of the Murphy family. Many stories were shared over the years from her mother Mary playing the piano at a funeral with great love for a deceased person with no attendants to the generosity of family members.    

 

Therese was raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts and graduated in 1944 (along with her dear friend Mary Ribas Luciano) from Lawrence High School. Lifelong friends, Mary and Therese lived across the street from one another in North Andover, Massachusetts and spent many times together, including extensive travel.

 

While attending Lawrence High School, Therese worked part time at the Pacific Mill on bobbins and spools and also worked part time at New England Telephone and Telegraph Company. Therese joined New England Telephone as a full time Operator after graduation and was promoted several times in her over 30 years of employment.  

 

Therese loved spending time with her brothers Thomas and sister-in-law Emily, John and sister-in-law Freda, Andrew and sister-in-law Lorraine, her sisters Peg and brother-in-law Frank, Bernadette and brother-in-law Norman, Kitty and brother-in-law Bob, Helen and brother-in-law George, Lala and brother-in-law Joe, and their families plus the many extended family members and friends. Therese also loved hosting parties for family and friends, including many wedding and baby showers, Halloween parties, and holiday gatherings. 

 

Moving to San Francisco, California to live with her two daughters Mary and Patricia, Therese joined the law firm of Bostwick & Tehin as their receptionist as well as providing support to the financial controller.  Therese enjoyed living in the warmer climate of California, spending time with her sisters Mary, Ann, Monica, and Mickey and the many family members who lived close by. As a music lover, Therese appreciated the opportunities to attend concerts at San Francisco Symphony Hall with her son Michael Lonergan as well as other local venues to hear such musicians such as Andrea Bocelli, Bruce Springsteen, and Willie Nelson.

Therese then moved to Las Vegas, Nevada with her sister Monica and brother-in-law Donald Clancy where they enjoyed being close to their brother Andrew and sister-in-law Lorraine. Therese enjoyed working at Harrah Hotel and Casino and New York Hotel and Casino in the retail shops as well as housekeeping inventory. Therese loved “playing” the slots, seeing Vegas shows, and spending time with family and friends.

 

Upon returning to California, Therese enjoyed working as a receptionist and then Executive Assistant for Hydronic Specialties Company (HSC).  Many dear friends were gained from Therese’s time at HSC.

 

Upon retiring at the age of 82 and always interested in politics, Therese volunteered for Oakland City Government.  Therese continued her love of travel, including family reunions and a very special trip with her sister Monica Clancy, nephew Brian Clancy, and niece Elaine Clancy to Paris, France. 

 

ARRANGEMENTS: Donations in Therese Murphy’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – www.alz.org or to The EPIC School (dedicated to providing educational services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder) – www.epicschool.org