Patricia Esther Murphy

Patricia Esther (Gross) Murphy, 69, of Olympia, Washington, passed away on May 1, 2015 in Olympia from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Pat was born in Omak, Washington to Willard and Carol (Wittig) Gross on October 9, 1945. She grew up in Bridgeport, Washington, and graduated from BHS in 1963. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (with a Minor in Music) from Central Washington State College, where she met husband Danny Murphy in the band’s trumpet section. They were married on December 18, 1965 in Ellensburg, Washington. After graduation, the couple moved to Castle Rock, Washington, where they gained teaching positions. Pat was an elementary teacher for four years, then left teaching to raise their children, Meredith and Collin. While a homemaker, Pat taught piano lessons to numerous students. She earned her nursing degree from Lower Columbia College in 1986. She worked as an RN for ten years, retiring along with Dan. Pat was involved in Junior Women’s Club, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, American Legion Auxiliary, St. Paul Lutheran Church Sunday School and Altar Guild, and the Happy Hearts Clowns (“Pattycake”). During the late 1970s, she enjoyed helping rehearse singers for high school musicals and also played trumpet with the Southwest Washington Symphony. She received the Cowlitz County Advocate “Citizen of the Month” in March 1978 for teaching CPR in Castle Rock. Pat enjoyed sewing, gardening, and trips to the Washington and Oregon coasts. Pat was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary (Gross) Fritz; brother-in-law, Paul Eggett; and nieces, Carrie Eggett and Tennille LaDouceur Dunn. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Danny Murphy; her daughter, Meredith (Murphy) Shanley (Tom); son, Collin Murphy (Jodi); grandsons, Ryan Connell, Wyatt Murphy and Caden Murphy; sisters, Carolyn Eggett, Jan Koegler (Gary), and Christine LaDouceur (Gene); brother-in-law, William Fritz; nieces and nephews, and special friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org) or to a Hospice of your choice. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caring staff at Clare Bridge-Olympia and Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice. Please leave memories of Pat or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.