Published April 30, 2021
MELROSE — Edwina J. (Meuse) Murphy, of Melrose, died at home on April 22, 2021 with her daughters at her side. She was born and raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School.
She worked full time, her entire life, being a devoted wife and cherished mother to her three children. Her four grandchildren brought her enormous joy and this joy grew with the addition of each great-grandchild. Edwina was also an aunt to many nieces and nephews.
“Wina” was an exceptional cook and baker. She was a master of Sunday dinners and holiday meals. She could knit, sew, crochet and quilt, and possessed a beautiful singing voice. Edwina was also an avid animal lover who took great care of her many pets, ranging from dogs to goats.
Edwina shared seventy years of marriage to the late William F. Murphy of Cambridge. She was the loving mother of the late William F. Murphy Jr. of Macomb, Illinois; Mary-Ellen Murray and her husband Ned of Melrose; and Patricia Murphy and her husband Philip Rheault of Groveland. She was preceded in death by her sisters Bernice Meelia, Madeline Giard and her brother Norman Meuse. She was the caring grandmother to Jeffry Murray, Jennifer Murphy, Lisa Symonds and Emmaline Rheault. She was the proud great-grandmother to Jay Symonds Jr. , Holden Symonds, Jaclyn Dillon and William Murphy- Cournaya. She will be deeply missed, but always remembered.
A funeral mass will be held at Incarnation Church in Melrose on Friday, April 30 at 11 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Saint Patrick’s cemetery in Stoneham. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
Contributions can be made in Edwina’s name to the MSPCA. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gatelyfh.com
