Mary K. Murphy's Obituary
February 8, 1924 – October 4, 2023
Mom went to her home in Heaven to be with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, to the praise of God the Father and to His glory this past Tuesday.
She is survived by sisters Helen Dandurand (103) and Josephine Evans (96); daughter Leslie Smith Haswell, sons David E. L. Smith (Frederica), Glenn R. Smith, Alan M. Smith (Janet); grandchildren Kathe-rine L. C. Haswell, John C. M. Haswell, Wendy (Rooks) Kienbusch, Brett Rooks, and Toby K. Hingson (Dar-ryl); great-grandchildren Hailey and Lane Hingson; one great-great-grandchild, Gracie; and her friend and companion of 30 years, John R. Wilson, whom she took care of after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis until both moved to Brookdale Cypress Lake. She was predeceased by grandchildren Alan K. Smith and Glen-non R. A. Smith, and brothers Walter and Stanley Kolkowski.
Mary was a loving person whose great loves were her God and church, her family and her friends. In her younger years, she taught school, worked as a school librarian, sold real estate, was active in the com-munity, and was a terrific hostess. She had a special affinity for very young children and loved teaching Sunday School for them.
Mary was a supporter of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Teen Challenge, and The Salva-tion Army.
Mary had a full life, loved Jesus, knew what was right and good, and her smile lit up a room. She is missed. And we all thought we’d be able to have a 100th birthday party with her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Church of the Cross, 13500 Freshman Ln, Fort Myers, FL 33912.
A Memorial Service will be held at Church of the Cross at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023.
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