Joan M. Murphy
Joan M. Murphy, 94, of East Providence, passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Kent Regency with her daughter by her side. She was the wife of the late Richard J. Murph for over 66 years.
Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Corinne (Jette) Heap. Since leaving Fox Point, Joan resided in East Providence. Mrs. Murphy was a stitcher for the Pease Awning Company for over 30 years before she retired. She brought her sewing talents home and surprised her family with homemade Halloween costumes every year into her 70s. She was her grandchildren's biggest fans, always cheering them on at youth, high school, and college athletic events. She loved showing off her collections of Dept. 56 Christmas village, snowmen, and tin cans. She always welcomed everyone into her home, her back door was always open, the fridge was always stocked with Yoohoo chocolate milk, ice cream was always available in the freezer, and there was always a pillow for the tired to rest their eyes.
She leaves one daughter, Patsy Hawksley and her husband Wayne and one daughter-in-law, Helen Murphy. Known as "Meme" to her five grandchildren, Richard and Brian Murphy, Brandon Hawksley and his wife Jenna, Luke Hawksley and his wife Brianna, and Molly Hawksley and her husband Tim Murphy. She was blessed with six great-grandchildren, Lauren and Ryan Murphy, Maeve, Finley and Sonny Hawksley, James P. Murphy and one great-grandchild due in July. She was the mother of the late Richard F. Murphy, grandmother of the late Dr. Shaun P. Murphy and sister of the late siblings: Doris, Martha, Muriel, Janet, Bea, Hope, Fred, Richard, and Charles (Teddy).
The family would like to thank the East Providence Rescue, her neighbor Doreen Perry, and her caretaker Jane Fernandes for always being there for her.
Her funeral will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. from the PERRY-McSTAY FUNERAL HOME, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 in St. Martha's Church, Pawtucket Avenue. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. Calling hours Wednesday 4-7. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to St. Jude's Children Hospital, LaSalle Academy, or the Scholarship Foundation of East Providence (PO Box 154438, East Providence, RI 02915).
