Jean Ann Murphy

On July 27, 2022 Jean Ann (Shine) Murphy of Ridgewood NJ, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home. She was 98 years old. Jean was born in Jersey City, NJ on January 22nd 1924. Jean was an exceptional and loving wife, mother of 8, grandmother of 31, great- grandmother of 31.  She also cared deeply for her many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Jean was widowed at age 49 with 7 of her 8 children still living at home. A family friend offered her a job at his company in Midland Park and she worked there as a bookkeeper for over 25 years. Jean was so busy raising her children that she never got her driver’s license. She took the bus to work and walked to the grocery store, library and church. As her children began to get their licenses, they were always happy to drive her anywhere she needed to go! When rookie driver mistakes were made, Jean would never shout or seem nervous. She would simply tap her foot and hum- loudly.
Jean was an avid Yankee’s fan for more than 75 years. She knew all of the players and their stats. We often thought how wonderful it would have been if one of her granddaughters married a NY Yankee. It was not to be. Jean enjoyed playing cards, particularly for a little money, and loved to read. Jean traveled to Europe, Canada, and within the US with her sisters-in-law, Mary and Ronnie. Wherever she visited the first thing on her agenda was to find the mass schedule of the local church.
Jean was happy to be the central figure in her children’s lives.  Anyone who knows them knows that she was a star in their eyes and that’s all that ever mattered to her. Throughout her life Jean’s faith has guided and supported her. She taught her children and grandchildren a thing or two about dealing with adversity, staying positive, and keeping the faith. She inspired us all.
Jean is survived by her son, Robert (Marge) Murphy, and daughters, Patricia (Larry) Gonsky, Kathleen (Stephen) Yates, Mary Jean (Robert) Klatte, Elizabeth (Nigel) Leeming and Eileen (John) Vaughan.  She was predeceased by her husband Vincent, daughter Carol (David) Schafer, and son Michael (Theresa) Murphy.

A Livestream of the mass will be available at https://www.olmcridgewood.com/