Obituary of Adele Catherine Murphy
Adele Catherine Murphy (née Dobrowolski) passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the age of 89, at her home in Lakewood, New Jersey, surrounded by her adoring family. Born on April 30, 1935, to Marion and Stephanie Dobrowolski in Brooklyn, New York, Adele’s life was a testament to the enduring power of love, faith, and resilience. Her journey, which began humbly in Brooklyn, unfolded into a life filled with joy, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to family and community.
Adele’s family moved from Brooklyn to Clark, New Jersey, when she was just three years old, and it was in Clark that she was raised, learning the values of faith, family, and hard work that would guide her throughout her life. A proud graduate of Clark High School, Adele was known for her intellect, curiosity, and drive. Her thirst for knowledge and passion for community involvement led her to early positions at prestigious companies, including Lockheed Martin and Bell Labs, where she developed her skills and built lasting friendships.
It was during her involvement with the Young Adults Club at St. Patrick’s Church in Elizabeth that Adele met William Joseph Murphy, Sr., the love of her life. Their connection was immediate, and they found joy in shared experiences, from beach trips to group activities through the club. This period of their lives was filled with excitement, camaraderie, and a blossoming romance that would stand the test of time. They married in 1955 at St. John the Apostle Church in Clark, solidifying a partnership that would span nearly four decades. Adele and William’s union was one rooted in deep love, shared faith, and an unshakeable devotion to one another, which became the foundation for the family they built together.
In 1963, Adele and William moved to Warren, New Jersey, where they raised their children in a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering support. Adele was an extraordinary mother, dedicating herself to her children’s happiness and success. She immersed herself in every aspect of their lives, serving as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout volunteer, and even co-coaching their softball teams. Her devotion extended beyond the typical roles of a mother; she was a constant presence at PTA meetings, school games, recitals, and every milestone, cheering on her children and ensuring they always felt loved and supported. Known for her creativity, Adele handmade Halloween costumes each year, bringing magic to every holiday and tradition. Her children were blessed with a childhood rich in memories, largely because of Adele’s tireless efforts to create joy and wonder in their lives.
Once her youngest child reached the fifth grade, Adele returned to the workforce, taking on a role at AT&T in Basking Ridge, where her sharp mind and dedication allowed her to rise to the position of manager. Adele’s colleagues admired her work ethic, intelligence, and kindness, and she became a respected and valued member of the AT&T team. Balancing her career with her role as a devoted mother, Adele set an inspiring example of resilience, independence, and strength for her family.
Faith played a significant role in Adele’s life. As a dedicated parishioner at Our Lady of the Mount Church in Warren, Adele served on the Parish Council and, together with her husband, took on various roles, contributing to fundraising efforts for the parish center and enriching their spiritual lives. Their involvement in the Marriage Encounter program at the church allowed them to strengthen their bond and support other couples within the community, embodying the values of love, commitment, and faith. This experience brought Adele a deep sense of joy and fulfillment, and the love and support she shared with William left an indelible mark on all who witnessed their example of faith-driven love.
After William’s passing in 1993, Adele’s resilience shone through as she continued to embrace life with grace, finding strength in her faith and her family. Her heart was tested further in 2010 with the loss of her beloved daughter, Mary Stephanie Murphy, a loss that weighed heavily on her. Yet, Adele’s spirit remained unbroken; she faced each day with the same warmth, kindness, and unshakable sense of self that had always defined her. She continued to forge new friendships, nurture family bonds, and pursue new passions, showing remarkable strength in the face of grief.
In 1995, Adele moved to Lakewood, New Jersey, where she found a vibrant community of friends and embraced new activities with enthusiasm. Known for her adventurous spirit, Adele took up skiing, biking, and even golf, adding new chapters to a life already filled with rich experiences. Her zest for life extended to scuba diving, which she took up at the age of 73 with her son Daniel during a memorable trip to the Galapagos Islands. Adele’s adventurous heart knew no bounds, and she approached each new experience with the same curiosity and enthusiasm that had always characterized her.
Adele’s love for learning extended beyond physical pursuits. She was a voracious reader and a history enthusiast, spending countless hours immersed in books and sharing thought-provoking insights with friends and family. A devoted fan of Star Trek, Adele was inspired by the show’s themes of exploration, unity, and resilience, qualities that resonated deeply with her own outlook on life. Her keen intellect, coupled with her warm wit, made her a captivating conversationalist and a source of wisdom and comfort to all who knew her.
Adele was also a talented seamstress, creating beautiful clothing, curtains, and accessories for her family and friends. Her creativity was evident in every stitch, and she took great pride in making her home and the lives of her loved ones beautiful. Adele’s attention to detail extended to family trips, which she meticulously planned, from budgeting to itinerary management, ensuring every family adventure was filled with unforgettable moments. She organized annual beach vacations and trips to places near and far, creating memories that her family will cherish forever.
Despite the profound losses she experienced, Adele’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and boundless joy. Her family, friends, and community were blessed by her presence, and her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew her.
Adele is predeceased by her beloved husband, William Joseph Murphy, Sr., and her cherished daughter, Mary Stephanie Murphy. She leaves behind a family who adored her and will carry forward her legacy: her children William Joseph Murphy Jr. and his wife Lynn, Daniel John Murphy, and Karen V. Barber; her grandchildren Michael Murphy, Tiffany Perez, Samantha Pacera, and Zachary Barber; and her great-grandchildren Michael Murphy Jr., Alynna Perez, and Ayden Perez. Adele’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family, who will always remember her love, laughter, and the incredible life she shared with them.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Adele’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Mount Chapel, 167 Mount Bethel Rd., Warren, NJ 07069, followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge, NJ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Adele’s honor.
Adele Catherine Murphy’s life was filled with love, adventure, and grace. She was a beloved mother, devoted wife, and cherished friend. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit will be missed by all who knew her, and her legacy will be carried forward through the lives of those she touched.
