Marjorie L. (Bassett) Murphy

Marjorie Louise (Bassett) Murphy, 99, widow of John Edward Murphy, died November 15 at Charlene Manor in Greenfield. A longtime resident of Greenfield, Marjorie was the daughter of Samuel Dwight and Edna Mae (Jarvis) Bassett.

She attended Greenfield schools and trained as a registered nurse at Springfield Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1945. In the early 60s she cared for children in her home, taught adult education and was active as a volunteer for her children’s activities, including Band Parents and Girl Scouts.

After John retired, they split their time between Lake Worth, FL and Forest Lake, in Winchester, NH. They enjoyed life to the fullest traveling and welcoming visits from friends and family.

Marjorie enjoyed all types of crafts including designing greeting cards for family and friends on her laptop. Her iPad mini was her constant companion in her later years. From a young age, she knitted, crocheted and sewed. As a child, she took tap, ballet and piano lessons. Her love of music and dance led her to drag John to square dancing lessons and subsequent very active participation in the Trailtown Twirlers. As an adult she took tap dancing classes and enjoyed line dancing, taking classes and teaching others into her 90s.

She was predeceased in 2007 by her husband. Survivors include four children, Sandra L. Conley and her husband Jay of Prattsburgh, NY, Peter J. Murphy and his wife Jean of Gill, MA, Jacqueline M. Murphy and her husband Brian S. Gordon of North Branford, CT, and Michael O. Murphy of Johnston, RI; three grandsons, Samuel B. Murphy, Daniel J. Murphy and Christopher R. May and his wife Jessica; three great-grandsons, Matthew and his wife Sabrina, Jon, and Steven May, and one nephew, Richard M. Murphy of Clifton, VA. 

There will be no calling hours and the service will be private.  In lieu of Flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to the charity of your choice or to The Scarf Project, for which she crocheted  hats during her final years, 37 Woodleigh Ave., Greenfield, MA 01301. Smith Kelleher Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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