Kathleen Ann Murphy (O'Connor)

Kathleen (Kay) Ann Murphy (94) passed away on May 24, 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Kay lived a life of quiet dignity, faith, and selfless service to others and will be dearly missed by her family. Born on September 6, 1930 in Ypsilanti, Michigan to Burt and Irene O’Connor, Kay grew up in Flint, Michigan with her three siblings, Larry, Don, and Marion. She attended Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana and graduated with a degree in Nursing from Nazareth College in Kalamazoo. Returning to Flint after graduation, Kay worked as a registered nurse and later nursing instructor at St. Joseph’s Hospital. In 1959, she married John (Jack) Murphy and together they raised seven children in Flushing. They were married for 56 years when Jack passed away in 2015. Kay dedicated her life to raising her children, setting an example of commitment to family by also welcoming Jack’s parents into their home in 1972 and caring for them until their passing. Her own mother, too, later lived with the family in her declining years. Once the children were school age, Kay returned to her nursing vocation, first at Fostrian Manor Nursing Home in Flushing and later as a home healthcare nurse. After moving to Grand Rapids in 2010 to be closer to family, Jacki and Kay joined Immaculate Heart of Mary Church community where Kay was active with the funeral buffet and prayer group. Kay loved the beach, quilting, reading, and ending the day with a bowl of ice cream; but her main love was her family. Kay was always eager to support her children at times of surgery, births, and family celebrations, spending weeks at a time at her children’s homes when needed. No matter the situation, Kay acted with patience and grace, putting others before herself and setting an example of a faith-filled life. Kay is survived by her seven children and their spouses, Tom (Laura), Joe (Gretchen), Mary Agnes Laguatan (Rick), Kathleen Calk (John), Colleen Anderson (Cory), John (Janet), and Michael (Erin); 25 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. The mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 11:00AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1935 Plymouth SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 where she will repose one hour prior to the Mass. Interment will be Resurrection Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Tuesday from 6:00 to 9:00pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers East Mortuary, 937 Michigan St NE where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30PM.

Tributes

Kathleen Ann Murphy (O'Connor)

September 6, 1930 - May 24, 2025