Obituary of Cecilia M. Murphy

Cecilia M. Murphy October 9, 1912 – September 26, 2013 Cele Murphy (nee Stremich) entered heaven on September 26th just days shy of 101 years of age. Born in Nekoma, North Dakota, her long life took her to New York City where she met her husband Chester. After a brief career on Wall Street, her life was interrupted by World War II and Chester’s service to our country. Upon his return, they moved to New Jersey and raised their family – Maureen (Tirone) and Chet. Cele was a long standing and active member of St. Mary’ Church in Nutley New Jersey. Among her many endeavors, her life was rich with volunteer work. Cele was the oldest member of St. Mary’s Catholic Daughters of America; she helped found the St. Mary’s school library. In 1991, Cele moved to Pittsburgh to be near her family including her four grandchildren; Jessica (Doyle) Adam Murphy, Owen Murphy, and Zachary Tirone. In 1998 Cele’s life took her to the greater Chicago area where she lived for fifteen years. She resided at Addolorata Villa in Wheeling IL until her death in September. As a long term resident of the Villa, she continued her active involvement in “Life at the Villa” and made many friends. Cele became a great grandmother to two beautiful children; Julian and Teagan Murphy. Cele is survived by daughter Maureen (Tirone) Carmine Tirone (son-in-law), son Chester, Carol (daughter-in-law) Jessica (Doyle) only grand-daughter and grandsons Adam and Owen, and Zachary (Tirone). Cele touched more lives than can be counted in her one hundred plus years. Her legacy will live on through her inspiration to others. Her everlasting smile and happy demeanor were contagious. A mass of Christian burial was celebrated at Addolorata Villa on October 1, 2013 and interment was at Assumption Cemetery, New Egypt New Jersey. Forever in our hearts – a wife, a mom, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a friend and always a Lady. May she rest in Peace.