Murphy, Madonna (Beary) 1913-2009

MURPHY, BEARY, MOLLOY

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 1/10/2010 at 19:15:28

Mary Madonna (Beary) Murphy was born February 4, 1913 in Monroe County, Iowa the daughter of William P. Beary and Anna (Molloy) Beary.

She was raised in Monroe County, attended St. Patrick’s High School in Georgetown and graduated from Lovilia High School. Following high school, Madonna attended William Penn in Oskaloosa, where she received her teaching certificate.

She taught at Fairview Country School until she was united in marriage to Thomas Michael Murphy at St. Mary’s Church, in Weller, on June 5, 1939. Madonna and Tom farmed in rural Knoxville. Tom passed away in 1965, and Madonna stayed on the farm until moving to town in 1988.

She was active in St. Anthony’s Church, the D.C.C.W. and the Altar & Rosary Society. Madonna also played in Bridge Clubs and was a member of the Union Study Club. She also enjoyed flowers and traveling. She was an excellent cook and was known for her homemade pies. Madonna was truly a warm-hearted people person, if she didn’t know you, she soon would.

She passed away on Monday, June 1, 2009 at her home at the age of 96 years, 3months and 28 days.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; brother, Gerald Beary and three sisters: Charlotte McAfee, Cecilia Brees and Mildred Kelleher.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Mary Delores Kovacik (Steve) of Denver, CO and Gerald Thomas Murphy (Patsy) of Knoxville, 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; siblings: Wilma Hollinrake and Marilyn Comer both of Des Moines, Leonard Beary & Vincent (Mary Jo) Beary both of Lovilia and John Lowell Beary (Mary Jo) of Overland Park, KS and many other family members and friends.

Burial: Graceland Cemetery, Knoxville, IA

Bertrand Funeral Homes June 2009