Eileen F. Murphy-Zurek

Eileen F. Murphy-Zurek, age 65, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Connecticut, NY on October 26, 1947, Eileen was the daughter of Joyce Murphy O’Brien and the late Patrick Murphy. She was raised and educated in Carmel, NY. For nearly 40 years, Eileen shared a loving, joyful relationship with Bart Zurek; he was a thoughtful mate, sensitive, and he made Eileen feel content and complete. Eileen worked in housekeeping and caregiving at St. Luke’s and Faxton Hospitals, at the Golden Age Home, and lastly at the Masonic Care Community of NY, the position from which she retired. She was sensitive and understanding, especially to those who had emotional challenges. Eileen was a diamond in the rough, that rare person who accomplished more than three people could in a lifetime. The difficulties that she overcame made her stronger and set an example for her children to understand what real courage is. Her grandchildren gave her great joy and many special magical moments. Eileen possessed a unique sense of humor, and others did not always know how to respond to her wit. She was, however, straight up, and very intuitive. She also had a penchant and passion for lottery tickets. Eileen is survived by her soul mate, Bart; her mother, Joyce; her children and their spouses, Michele and Thomas Anderson, Renee Guardado, Robert Adams and Yvette Guzman, Debra Zurek and Dwayne Morse, and Kimberly Zurek, all of Utica; her grandchildren, Travis and Jenna Anderson, Aireanna Anderson, the memory of her grandson, Thomas M. “TJ” Anderson who preceded her in death; Santino and Carmelita Guardado; Dwayne Jr., Marquez and Trazell Morse; Xavier, and Isabella Ramos, and Thomas Zurek; and her great-grandchildren, Gabby and Bella. She also leaves her sisters, Christine Youngs, and Louise O’Brien; her brothers and sister-in-law, Carl Murphy, and Kenny and Carla O’Brien; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and members of Bart’s family; and Ruth Gaffey, her longtime friend, who she has known since their children were young. The family appreciates the efforts of the paramedics of Utica Rescue 1, and Concetta Reginelli of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Emergency Medicine Department for their consideration and kindness. The family will honor Eileen’s life at a private time. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday afternoon at 12:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass.

Eileen F. Murphy-Zurek

October 26, 1947 - February 27, 2013