Obituary of Judith M. Murphy

Smethport – Judith M. Murphy, 66, of Smethport passed away Wednesday (May 18, 2016) in The Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center, Bradford. She was born May 22, 1949 in Brooklyn, N.Y., a daughter of Robert E. and Helen Bauman Kimmins. On June 21, 1980, in St Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Smethport, she married Robert J. Murphy, who survives. They have one son, Colin Farrell Murphy, born October 16, 1983, to whom she has passed on her sense of fun, humor and adventure. When Judi was five years old, she and her family moved to Pittsburgh where she became a dyed in the wool Steelers fan, (though the St. Bonaventure men's basketball team ranked a close second). She was also immensely proud of her Irish heritage and St. Patrick's Day was the most important holiday of the year to her. She and Bob fulfilled a dream celebrating their 25th anniversary by renewing their marriage vows on a cruise and tour of Ireland and the British Isles. Throughout her life, Judi spent many happy summer holidays with Bob, Colin and other family, friends and "adopted kids" at Vero Beach and the Disney theme parks; she loved all things Disney. Judi was a graduate of Brentwood High School and attended Edinboro University, where she received her undergraduate and Master's Degree in English. She was an English teacher at the Port Allegany High School for 33 years, retiring in 2005. Judi was an excellent teacher beloved by her students and effective at teaching many of them to love literature. She was an avid reader herself, particularly fond of mystery novels. She was a member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, was a former E.M.T. for the Port Ambulance Service, a past President of the Port Allegany Education Association, and was the Port High School Drama Coach for several years as well as a former cheerleader advisor. Judi taught CCD classes at St. Gabriel the Archangel of Port Allegany. During their retirement Judi and Bob became enthusiasts for West Highland Terrier Rescue. They would pick up rescued Westies and find forever homes for them throughout Pennsylvania and New York. They were remarkably successful and raised a number of well-loved Westies themselves. In addition to her husband Bob, she is survived by her son Colin (and wife Dawn) Murphy of Arlington, VA, several nieces and nephews and two Westies, "Gracie" and "Bailey". In addition to her parents, Judi was preceded in death by two sisters: Kathleen Westbrook and Deborah Morrone. Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 28, from Noon to 1pm at the social hall of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Main St., Smethport, where a Mass of Christian Burial will then be held at 1:00 pm in the church, with the Rev. Vincent P. Cieslewicz, Pastor, as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport. Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Elizabeth Church Building Fund, 307 Franklin St., Smethport, PA 16749, Westie Rescue of Western PA, c/o Michelle Clemenson, 111 Pikemont Dr., Wexford, PA 15090, or the Hamlin Memorial Library, P.O. Box 422, Smethport, PA 16749. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.