Antoinette "Nancy" Murphy

Antoinette “Nancy” Murphy, age 85, of Graceville, MN, died on June 25, 2020.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Inurnment will be in Graceville Consolidated Cemetery.

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to accommodate gatherings of up to 250 people. The use of face masks by attendees is recommended, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep our facility clean. For those who prefer or require continued precautions, webcasting and/or livestreaming is available in most situations.

Antoinette MaryAnn “Nancy” (Arens) Murphy was born on February 8, 1935, in Graceville, MN, to Joseph and Margaret (Bohnenkamp) Arens. She was united in marriage with James Murphy on September 1, 1954. They made their home on a farm north of Barry, MN, where they raised eight children.

Nancy was a woman of many talents: baking, sewing, gardening, butchering chickens, helping on the farm, and raising children. There wasn’t much she couldn’t do. She tended acres of roses, lilies, poppies, peonies, daisies, and fruit trees. They provided beauty for many visitors to enjoy as they drove through the farm.

Nancy enjoyed daily trips to coffee for conversation and laughs with her lifelong friends.

She was known for being a wonderful hostess and baker. Nobody left her house hungry. Cookies and apple bars were almost always available for anybody who dropped in. She loved making pies with the residents of local nursing homes over the years. Nancy passed on her baking skills to her grandchildren, encouraging them to keep trying new recipes.

Nancy found joy in serving others. Although she wanted no recognition, she spent countless hours crafting mittens, hats, and quilts that were sent to schools and homeless shelters all over the country.

Nancy Murphy is survived by her husband, James of Graceville; children: Daniel Murphy of Naples, FL; Jack (Mitzy) Murphy of Graceville, MN; Connie (Dean) Mikkelson of Sioux Falls, SD; Gerald (Julie) Murphy of Beardsley, MN; Judy (Greg Bunce) Murphy of Mesa, AZ; and Joseph (Katie) Murphy of Graceville, MN; daughter-in-law, Kim Simonson; 22 grandchildren; along with many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sons: Donald and Charles; and grandson, Shawn.

Blessed be the memory of Nancy Murphy.