Mary Elaine Murphy, 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Lake Bluff, IL early Thursday morning, December 21st surrounded by her family at her passing. Elaine suffered from complications attributed to Alzheimer's disease. Visitation will be held from 4pm-8pm on Wednesday, December 27th at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home located at 2659 John F. Kennedy Road. Her funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 28th at St. Anthony's Catholic Church located at 1870 St. Ambrose with interment immediately following at Mount Olivet Cemetery located at 10556 Military Rd. Born on a farm in Shullsburg, WI on September 30, 1935, Elaine was a long time resident of Dubuque. She graduated Salutatorian from Shullsburg High School, attended local Business College, and enjoyed a 57-year career as an Office Manager and Ophthalmic Technician at Fuerste Optical. Elaine took tremendous pride in her professional career. She began her career with Dr. Frederick & Marion Fuerste and later worked for their children Dr. Rommel, Dr. Hunter & Dr. Gretchen Fuerste. Elaine's patients consistently commented on her professionalism, joyful and caring attitude, and her smiling face. Elaine recently celebrated her 59th wedding anniversary to her husband Tim this past November. In addition to a strong family life, both Elaine and Tim were blessed with an abundance of very close friends. Elaine enjoyed many things, including traveling the U.S. as well as Europe. She also loved shopping, Bridge, Dubuque Golf & Country Club and a good piece of pie with her coffee. She mostly enjoyed - and sometimes tolerated - attending many years of Notre Dame football games. Elaine and Tim are long-time supporters of Catholic education and attended countless Wahlert High School athletic and fundraising events over the years. Perhaps one of Elaine's favorite things in life was Christmas. She enjoyed the shopping, gift giving, ornaments, decorations and music of the season. The family was fortunate enough to spend 18 wonderful years at our Christmas house at the Four Mounds Inn. As a result of her love for Christmas and the spiritual meaning of Christ's birth, the family feels especially blessed that Elaine chose this time of year to pass over to see her departed family and friends. Elaine is survived by her husband Timothy of Lake Bluff, IL along with their children Christopher Murphy (Catherine) of Lake Forest, IL, Maureen Quill (Michael) of Racine, WI, Megan Patel of Dubuque, and Molly Wallace of Wheaton, IL. Elaine & Tim have 11 grandchildren - Lauren, Caitlin & Alaina Murphy; Mitchell, Murphy, Maiti & Maread Quill; Stella & Oscar Patel; and William, & Dylan Wallace. Elaine is also survived by her sister Connie Cosgrove (Michael) of Dubuque. Elaine was predeceased in death by her parents Charles & Catherine Christopher and her siblings Norbert Christopher, Sharon Leahy and Donald Christopher. The family is looking forward to celebrating Elaine's life this Wednesday and Thursday with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking to have donations made in her name to support research for a cure at Alzheimer's Association of Illinios.