Obituaries
Eileen G Murphy
02/28/2010
Eileen G. (Heitz) Murphy 90, of Stonehill Care Center, formerly of Windsor Park and 1741 Dexter St., died Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center-Dubuque, of complications from pneumonia.
Services will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 4, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. today at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2659 Kennedy Road, where a parish scripture wake service will be at 6:30 p.m.
She was born on May 6, 1919, in Farley, Iowa, daughter of Matthew and Agnes (Mahoney) Heitz. She was a longtime community activist and Democratic party volunteer in Dubuque and the mother of Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives, Patrick Murphy.
She married Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy on July 3, 1939, at St. Raphael's Cathedral in Dubuque; he preceded her in death on Oct. 17, 1991.
She spent considerable time in her retirement from homemaking as a volunteer at the Dubuque Rescue Mission, Dubuque Food Pantry, St. Joseph The Worker Catholic School and St. Patrick's Catholic School. Eileen was admitted into the Dubuque County Democratic Hall of Fame several years ago for her volunteer work in elections.
She was a longtime member of St. Patrick's Parish.
Surviving are her children, Margaret (Jeff) Murphy-Sweetland, of Milwaukee, Donna (Richard) Hefel, of Maquoketa, Iowa, Dolores (Jerry) Dilger, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Larry (Linda), of Oelwein, Iowa, David (Becky), of Dubuque, Bob (Teresa), of Midland, Texas, Patrick (Therese), of Dubuque, and Joseph (Edie), of North Lake, Ill.; 31 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Maxine Heitz and Alberta Heitz Lattner, both of Dubuque; and her son-in-law, John Noel, of Dubuque.
She also was preceded in death by two daughters, Mary Agnes Murphy and Connie Noel; her parents; six brothers, Ray, Elmer, Joe, Leo, Danny and Julian Heitz; and two sisters, Mary Grant and Anna Meyer.
An Eileen G. Murphy Memorial Fund has been established.
Memorial Messages
Message from: Tom Shanahan
E-mail Address: wingdancer@q.com
The twinkle in her eye and unsurpassed energy were an inspiration to all of us who frequently visited the Murphy home. She was a great listener, whose gentle encouragement and practical advice kept many of us grounded in our teen years, helping us maintain perspective as we grew up in the 60s and 70s.
Mrs. Murphyyou will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Warm regards to all her family.
Message from: Joe Sullivan
In this time of sadness, it seems appropriate to acknowledge what a great, long run Eilenn had. The Murphy Clan is an impressive group. It seems much of the success of the Murphys can be credited to her. The admirable qualities in her children now extend into the next generation. She and all of you have a lot to be proud of.
Message from: Gail Noel
To to the Murphy family, I am so sorry to be missing your mother's wake and funeral. Nick and I are in FL or we would be there. I have wonderful memories of Eileen. She was always truly happy to see me (well at least she fooled me if she wasn't.) About fifteen years ago she mailed a picture of me that was in the paper when I was a baby, she had such a good memory she could tell me all about it. She could tell me the date and year my twins were from.Eileen was always so full of energy and fun to bed around. You are all in my prayers at this difficult time. sincerely, Gail Noel
Message from: Elmer & Patricia Nicholls
E-mail Address: richard52@wowway.com
Bob, Patrick and rest of the Murphy Clan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Even after many, many years the fond memories of your mom are still with us. It is like it was just yesterday she was making her weekly visit for grocery shopping at Eagle Supermarket on Elm. A truly fine Lady and great family.
With deepest sorrow,
Elmer & Pat
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