Veronica Murphy

Veronica Murphy, aged 94, died November 25, 2013, at the Greenwood Center in Sanford, where she had resided for several years. She was born in Sanford on May 17, 1919. Orphaned early, she lived for a number of years with a host family in Limington, where she took the name of Murphy and attended local schools. At age 20, she moved to Sanford to take up the position of housekeeper with the family of Hiram and Christine Willard. Vera, as everyone called her, rapidly became an integral part of the Willard household, and was ever after considered as a member of the family. She remained with the Willard family at their home on 90 Main Street and spent summers with them at their cottage on the shore of lower Mousam Lake.Vera did not have children of her own, but loved and was beloved by Hiram and Christine's six grandchildren, and their children and children's children after them. She later kept track of them all and all visited her when they could, a source of great pleasure to her. She read newspapers thoroughly, so kept a file of clippings about their lives and doings, Vera cared for the young and the old of the family, and ultimately was the last one of the household remaining, after caring and providing for several elderly family members at the end of their lives. She continued to live alone at 90 Main Street as caretaker. However, members of the family of several generations continued to come to stay at the Willard house from time to time, and gathered there for Thanksgivings with her. In 2004, she left to take up residence first at The Lodges in Springvale and later at Greenwood.Vera was an excellent cook and took pride in her efficient housekeeping. She helped with a large vegetable garden and with annually canning great amounts of fruit and vegetables. Because she was interested in everything that was going on in town, she sometimes listened to a citizen band radio, which allowed her to hear police calls and announcements. Her very special interest was cats, cats in general, and her cat in particular. In her later years, her own cat was a cherished companion, and the object of great care. Vera is survived by her nephews, Robert L. Guilmette and Richard Guilmette, and their families. They are the sons of her twin brother Leon, who died in Sanford in 1990, and to whom she also provided much care and attention. Vera leaves behind most affectionate memories in the hearts of all the family, and in those of the many Sanford friends she knew. She will indeed be missed and remembered as a very kind, competent, and caring woman who contributed a great deal to the lives of all those she loved and helped.A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 2, at 11:00 AM at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, and interment will follow in Oakdale Cemetery, Sanford.Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Condolences can be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.