Ann Louise Parkes Murphy

Ann Louise (Parkes) Murphy was the beloved wife of the late Albert I. Murphy, Sr. (married 48 years) and mother to 7 children: Kathleen M. Murphy (deceased), Albert I. Murphy, Jr., Elaine F. Langley (Joseph-deceased), Theresa A. Murphy, Sheila M. Palermo (Michael), Ann L. Whittle (Jeffrey), and Patricia C. Astasauskas (Joseph). She is also survived by 28 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren – all of whom she was incredibly proud. Ann also cherished her many nieces, nephews, and friends. She enjoyed keeping up with family, whether it was phone calls, texts, visits, or online; she kept her iPad close by and loved to click through photos and stories. 

Ann was born in 1932 to John B. and Loretta M. Parkes. She grew up in Dorchester, MA with 5 brothers and 2 sisters. She often spoke with pride about her father, a Captain in the Boston Fire Department, who was on duty during the Cocoanut Grove Fire of 1942. Ann was part of America’s Greatest Generation, living through the Great Depression and World War II.

Ann had a sharp mind. She remembered everything and everyone and was a whiz with numbers. These skills served her well in her work as a book buyer at the University of Maryland Bookstore and for the Payroll Department at Catholic University. However, Ann’s true calling was motherhood. She lived her life in service to others; always giving, caring, supporting, volunteering, praying, listening, advising, and loving . . . doing so with quiet strength, intuitive grace, and a warm, smart sense of humor. 

Ann loved children, family, animals, flowers, and artwork. She loved the ocean, a steaming hot cup of coffee, and watching the news. She was a voracious reader. She loved to feed the birds, she was afraid of snakes, she was really good at Jeopardy, she loved going to family weddings and dance the night away. She was beautiful. She had a firm handshake yet the softest skin, she gave the best and warmest hugs and had a contagious, hearty laugh. She was loyal and thoughtful. She was in your corner and had your back. She was a great listener. You could sit and talk with Ann or sit quietly, and always feel comfortable and safe with her. The sound of her low, soft Boston accent brought comfort to us all. She was known for her generosity and would sneak money into grandchildren’s hands or hide money around siblings’ homes after a family visit for the kids to find later. She’ll be remembered for her infamous “Aunt Ann” look that she’d shoot to those who needed some quiet guidance. But Ann was happiest when those she loved were happy.

She was a talented painter, but Ann’s true artistry was her knitting. Over her lifespan, she created thousands of beautiful, handcrafted hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters, baby blankets, and afghans for family, friends, and for those in need. With the signature click of her knitting needles, she wove her hopes, wishes, love, and prayers for each recipient into every stitch of every gift. 

Ann was fiercely independent, living on her own to the very end. She was naturally curious and always asked the crucial questions that no one had thought of yet. She would watch a repairman work so she could fix it herself the next time. She was a keen observer of human behavior. She could read a room; her intuition was legendary. She knew what people needed before they did themselves. She was a woman of her word. She never criticized; only encouraged. She gave solid, sound, sage advice. She was a beacon, lighting our way and guiding us through the peaks and valleys of our lives; always calm under pressure. “Not to worry” she would say, “take it easy”. 

Ann was one of a kind and a true gift. She was not only the rock and foundation of our family but also a soft place to land. We are heartbroken that she is no longer with us but we are grateful she is no longer in pain. You’ve done a wonderful job Mom and your spirit will live on through your family. We love you and we will miss you always Mom. Rest in peace.

On Friday, October 21, 2022, Ann L. Murphy, 90, of Mt. Airy, MD passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family. 

Ann is buried with her husband Al Murphy (deceased March 9, 2000) and daughter Kathleen Murphy (deceased June 15, 2022) 

at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD.