Rita Murphy

OXFORD – Rita A. (Simmons) Murphy, 87, of June Street, died Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Paul H. Murphy of Oxford; six sons, Paul R. Murphy and his wife Jeanne of Sutton, James F. Murphy and his wife Dawn of Charlton, John T. Murphy and his wife Patricia of Charlton, Lt. Col. Ret. William F. Murphy and his wife Letitia of San Antonio, TX, Robert J. Murphy and his wife Jo Ann of Dudley, and Brigadier General Thomas E. Murphy and his wife Carla of Alexandria, VA; fourteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, two nephews and one niece. She was born in Marlborough, daughter of the late Walter and Lillian (Desrochers) Simmons, and lived most of her life in Oxford. She graduated from South High School in Worcester.

Mrs. Murphy was a wonderful wife and mother who was dedicated to her home and family. Her two proudest accomplishments were raising her six sons and celebrating her 69th wedding anniversary with her husband on January 28th. She was a member of St. Roch’s Church in Oxford. She loved flying and attending competition traps shoots with her husband Paul, and enjoyed playing bingo.

A funeral will be held on Friday, February 3, 2017, from Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford, followed by a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Roch’s Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Burial will follow at North Cemetery in Oxford. Calling hours are Thursday, February 2, 2017, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.