Catherine Thelma Murphy

Portland - Catherine Thelma Murphy, a loving mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 19, 2023. Born on September 21, 1942 to Thomas and Thelma Babcock, she was the oldest of two daughters raised in Brewer, ME and a graduate of John Bapst High School, Husson College, and Andover College. Catherine was a compassionate and supportive soul who made a difference in the lives of those around her. Her warm presence will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and community. Catherine's heart was full of love, and she generously shared that love with everyone she met. Catherine moved to the Portland area in 1966 and married Kenneth R. Murphy, Sr. on July 27, 1968. She lived a fulfilling life raising her children in her beloved state of Maine. She began and was dedicated to a career in accounting later in life, which she approached with the same level of care and attentiveness that she brought to her personal relationships. She formed many wonderful friendships with coworkers that she maintained in retirement. Catherine delighted in spending time with her family, especially her cherished children and grandchildren. Her hobbies included reading mystery novels and biographies, studying history, afternoon tea, and gardening. She was an avid museum goer and enjoyed visiting museums locally and on trips to the UK and Turkey. She enjoyed watching movies, playing games, working on puzzles, and cooking with her grandchildren. Catherine was a true patron of her community, staying informed on local events and contributing to several charitable organizations, including the Salvation Army and St. Jude. She was a great proponent of education and regularly supported the Portland Public School System as well as her alma mater, John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor. Her concern for the homeless in her city was a testament to her empathetic and caring nature. Catherine is survived by her children Kenneth Murphy of Portland, Catherine Murphy of Boston, Christina (Timothy Macinta) Murphy-Macinta of Arlington, MA; grandchildren, Aidan Macinta and Elise “Elly” Macinta; sister, Linda Babcock of Westbrook; nephews, Thomas Haskins of South Portland, Dr. Gerald Murphy, Jr. of San Diego, CA, Fr. Francis Murphy of South Bend, IN, Patrick Murphy of Overland Park, KS, Daniel Murphy of Sarasota, FL; niece, Mary Murphy of Janesville, WI; and a special cousin Michele Nichols of Glenburn, ME. She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth R. Murphy, Sr. and her parents, Thomas and Thelma Babcock. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, located at 172 State Street, Portland. The funeral service will follow at the same location at 12:00 pm with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. We invite you to join us in celebrating Catherine's life, remembering her as a supportive, loving, and unforgettable individual. To view Catherin's memorial page, upload photos or share a memory, please visit Conroy-TullyWalker.com Memorial contributions are suggested to John Bapst High School, https://www.johnbapst.org/give/we_are_back/ In honor of Catherine's memory, we encourage you to leave your cherished memories and upload photos to her memorial page. Let us come together to celebrate the remarkable life of Catherine Thelma Murphy and the lasting impact she made on all of us.