Rita C. Murphy

Mrs. Rita C. (DiPaolo) Murphy September 20, 1916 - February 3, 2014 Mrs. Rita C. (DiPaolo) Murphy, age 97 of Crestwood Nursing Home, 568 Child Street, Warren and formerly of Franklin Court, Bristol, died Monday, February 3, 2014 at Newport Hospital, Newport surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late John J. Murphy, who preceded her in death in 1976. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Luis and Filomena (Valentine) DiPaolo, Italian immigrants, gave birth to a daughter on September 20, 1916. They named her Rita Carmela. The family of 6 children - 2 brothers and 3 sisters, lived in the Italian section of South Philly. Yes, they lived through some challenging times in the early 20th century but through it all a sense of family, strong faith, and the joy of life was passed along to the future generations. Rita was blessed with a “stand up and dust yourself off” attitude, having survived Typhoid fever as a child. This, among other trials and tribulations to come, enabled her to set an example for all to be faithful and carry on. But first the good stuff - Rita worked in her first 2 decades in factory jobs. She assembled feathers for hats and other accessories (no doubt influencing her later love for 'fashion!”). She worked in a lab mixing drugs, and also obtained her beautician license. But she found her niche when she landed a job with Dr. Luongo in Philadelphia. She was hired to assist him with ear/nose/throat surgery - today that position would be a scrub nurse! She loved every minute of it. Jump to the 50s - she met the love of her life, John James Murphy, yes, an Irishman. They did some traveling in the Poconos, Adirondacks, Montreal, and New England. They married in 1953 in North Carolina on their way to Florida where they would settle and start their family. Kathy (Murphy Calandra) came first, followed 16 months later by John (J.J. Murphy.) They initially lived in downtown Miami near the Orange Bowl. They were able to buy their first home in 1961. It was a happy and safe time - the children could ride their bikes to school, walk miles of neighborhoods on Halloween, and play outside to their hearts content. John worked as a Supervisor of Distribution for the Miami Herald, and Rita, a stay at home 50s mom, supplemented the family income with in home child care. The 60s were bumpy - Rita had to put on her “nurse” hat and care for John who developed cancer. They rallied and bought another 10 years to continue to watch their children grow and graduate high school The 70s saw the death of her dear husband John and an empty nest as Kathy went off to FSU and John joined the Coast Guard But again she brushed herself off and went to school - she worked in the cafeteria at Columbus High School in Miami. She also enjoyed volunteering with the Red Cross at local Miami events. Sorrow is followed by joy - Corinne joined the family in 1979 as Johns wife. Ritas first 2 grandchildren joined the family - Richard in 1982 and Kristine in 1983. Kathy married Angelo in 1982 and added the 3rd grandchild, Nicholas, in 1984. After surviving Hurricane Andrew, Rita relocated to Bristol RI in 1993 with Kathy and Angelo. She made new friends, and joined in the “parties” and events at Franklin Court, as a resident in their independent senior housing. She enjoyed music, dance, bus trips, and always with an eye out for being dressed according to the latest trends. At the age of 90 in 2006, her family celebrated her life aboard the Bay Queen Dinner Cruise Her evening attire was finished off with a special “90th” tiara, which could not have been a more appropriate gift. And life just kept getting better! Kristine gave birth to twins Madison and Taylor in 2006 - Ritas great grandchildren. Rita moved into the long term care setting after a fall in which she broke her hip. But once again her spirit shone through - she dusted herself off, put on lipstick, and received daily compliments on her “style” and fashion. Ritas life goes on in her extended family; there is evidence in those who became nurses, a great granddaughter with a “fashion sense” and in all who enjoy a sense of humor and fun! Rita is also survived by nieces and nephews and their extended families, in and around Philadelphia. She loved them all, and was proud to be from the “City of Brotherly Love” but her true love was Florida. She enjoyed her new friends in Bristol and was grateful to those caretakers at Crestwood who always showed her compassion and a friendly smile. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 12:00 Noon in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol. Her final resting place will be in Miami, Florida, next to the love of her life. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol, RI 02809. For online condolences, shared memories and information go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com

Service Information Service Saturday February 22, 2014 12:00 PM Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church 141 State St. Bristol, RI 02809 -->