Mary A. Murphy

Mary A. Murphy, age 78, of Utica, passed away on Friday, August 6, 2010 at the St. Luke’s Home with her loving family by her side. Mary was born in Syracuse on June 28, 1932. She was raised and educated in Hamilton; after residing there for 44 years, she relocated to Utica in 1976. Mary began her career as an operator for AT&T; as a respected and loyal employee of the company, she worked with conscientious and honorable diligence both in the workplace and also in union activities: in fact, she not only prized her union membership in the Telephone Traffic Union, but she also served as a member of its Executive Board for 15 years. In 1984 she retired from the company with 34 years of local and dedicated service to her credit. After her retirement from AT&T, she chose to continue her career, working for a number of years for several other companies, notably Met Life, then Montgomery Ward, and lastly, as a switchboard receptionist and clerical assistant for the Resource Center for Independent Living, finally retiring from that position in 1997 after 5 years of valued service. In addition to her dedicated involvement in union matters, Mary was a member and communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, and was a member of the parish’s Altar Rosary Society and Women’s Club. She enjoyed following and watching sporting events, her particular favorites being football and basketball. A woman with a strong sense of her heritage and culture, she was very proud of her Irish ancestry. Mary is survived by her 3 nephews, Thomas and LaDonna Frawley of NE, John Frawley of TN, and Steven and Tina Frawley of Hamilton; and a niece, Kathleen Anne Frawley of GA. She also leaves her very special friends, Carol Maloney of Whitesboro, Marcia Keeney of Clinton, Mary Bickel of Leonardsville, Peppy Vassallo, and Janet Wren, both of Utica. She was predeceased by her mother, Mollie Frawley with whom she shared a very special relationship; a brother, Patrick Frawley; a nephew, David Frawley; a niece, Cheryl Frawley; and a sister-in-law, Kathleen Frawley. God bless all those I loved so much. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-6 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to the American Heart Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Mary’s funeral will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Graham Cemetery in Hubbardsville, NY.

Mary A. Murphy

June 28, 1932 - August 6, 2010