MARGARET M. “PEGGY” (POWER) MURPHY

MARGARET M. “PEGGY” (POWER) MURPHY – of Woburn, died peacefully, September 18th, at the age of 98. Beloved wife of the late Donald W. Murphy. Devoted mother of Charles Murphy, his wife Susan, of Woburn, Donna Murphy Lee of Woburn, and the late Donald Murphy Jr. Loving grandmother of Donald III and his wife Lynda, Ryan, Michael and his wife Casey, Megan and her husband Jon, and CJ, and the late Kaitlin, as well as her loving great-grandchildren. Dear sister of John Power, of Los Angeles, CA, and the late William Power. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Her Funeral Mass will take place Monday, September 28th, at 10 a.m. in St. Charles Church, Woburn. Burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery, Winchester. Calling hours will be held in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, prior to the Mass from 8:30–9:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Margaret to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

MARGARET M. “PEGGY” (POWER) MURPHY, of Woburn, passed away peacefully on September 18th, at the remarkable age of 98. A kind, caring and nurturing woman, Peggy’s long life was centered around the people she loved most—her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many friends she gathered along the way.

Margaret was born and raised in Woburn, the daughter of the late William and Katherine Olive (Burns) Power. A graduate of St. Charles School, Class of 1946, Peggy went on to attend St. John’s School of Nursing in Lowell, where she earned her degree and became a Registered Nurse. Her calling to care for others led to a long and rewarding career at Choate Hospital, where she found particular joy working in the maternity ward. Her naturally kind and nurturing spirit made nursing a perfect fit for Peggy, and she took great pride in caring for mothers and their newborn babies throughout her many years there.

Peggy shared a wonderful life with her beloved husband, the late Donald W. Murphy. Together they raised their family in Woburn and enjoyed many happy years filled with family, travel, and simple pleasures. Some of Peggy’s fondest memories were of the trips she and Donald took together, particularly their ski trips. Wherever they went, however, home and family were always what mattered most to her.

Hampton Beach held an especially dear place in Peggy’s heart. It was a place she loved throughout her life and one connected to a story she never tired of telling. During her younger years, Peggy had the memorable opportunity to meet actor Claude Rains, sitting with him on a bench. It became one of those wonderful little moments in a long life that she delighted in remembering and sharing with others for years to come.

Peggy was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Naturally caring and nurturing, she had a way of making those around her feel loved and looked after. As her family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they remained an enormous source of happiness and pride throughout her life.

She also had a creative side and was an avid knitter. Peggy especially enjoyed making blankets for family and friends, putting countless hours and a great deal of love into each one. Those handmade gifts became treasured reminders of the woman who made them.

Peggy enjoyed staying active and getting out to concerts and shows. Music was another longtime pleasure, with Frank Sinatra among her favorites. Whether enjoying a performance, traveling with Donald, spending time by the ocean, or simply being together with family, Peggy appreciated the experiences and people that made life meaningful.

Along with her late husband Donald, Peggy’s family was the heart of her life. She was the devoted mother of Charles Murphy, his wife Susan, of Woburn, Donna Murphy Lee of Woburn, and the late Donald Murphy Jr. Loving grandmother of Donald III, Ryan, Michael, Megan, and CJ, and the late Kaitlin, she was also blessed with loving great-grandchildren. Dear sister of John Power of Los Angeles, CA, and the late William Power. Peggy is also lovingly survived by several nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral Mass will take place Monday, September 28th, at 10 a.m. in St. Charles Church, Woburn. Burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery, Winchester. Calling hours will be held in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, prior to the Mass from 8:30–9:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Margaret to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Her Funeral Mass will take place Monday, September 28th, at 10 a.m. in St. Charles Church, Woburn. Burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery, Winchester. Calling hours will be held in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, prior to the Mass from 8:30–9:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Margaret to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.