In Memory of Lois A. Murphy

Obituary

LOIS A. MURPHY, NEW HARTFORD

Lois A. Murphy, 96, died peacefully in her sleep at her home in New Hartford on September 30, 2025, of natural causes and a sudden decline in her health.

Lois was born in Utica, daughter of the late Harvey E. and Florence E. (Mayer) Nichols, on July 15, 1929.  She graduated from Whitesboro High School, Class of 1947, just after marrying John M. Murphy of Utica on December 28, 1946. Mr. Murphy passed away on February 27, 2001, also at their home in New Hartford.

Lois worked as a secretary, first for International Heater in Utica, then for many years in the Personnel Office of Faxton Hospital in Utica, retiring in 1984.

Besides her parents and husband, Lois was predeceased by daughters Gail (at birth, 1947), Anne Marie (infant, 1959), Carol A. Clark (2014) and son James M. (2016).  Lois is survived by her son, John H. (San Diego, California), son-in-law Dennis G. Clark (Utica), daughter-in-law Lucinda J. Murphy (Utica), granddaughter Anne D. Burgess, her husband Daniel Burgess and their children, Madelyn and Alexander (Sauquoit), as well as grandsons Dennis J. Clark and David K. Clark (New Hartford), Sean M. Murphy (and wife Kait, of Utica), Brian Murphy (Farmington, NM), and granddaughter Sarah Cellini (and husband Jeremy, of Utica). 

Lois was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church in New Hartford.  During her 71 years as a New Hartford resident, Lois enjoyed taking care of her yard and flower gardens right up into her last month.

The family would like to thank Hazel and Sandra of Henderson’s Home Care, LLC, for their attention to Lois’s needs during her final days, and most special appreciation to neighbors Joe and Renee Varieur for their “above and beyond” neighborly attention and care for Lois, especially during her later years.

A private service with family members has been scheduled with Friedel, Williams and Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Service, New Hartford, NY, with burial to immediately follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, attended by Fr. Matt of St. John the Evangelist Church. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society of Utica since Lois loved her many family dogs through the years, especially her Yorkies, Muffin and Taffy.

Online expressions of sympathy may be left at fwefh.com.