Virginia Murphy

Virginia M. Murphy, 92, of Hurley, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Ten Broeck Commons, Lake Katrine, New York. Born August 19, 1931, in South Buffalo, New York, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Winifred Makey. She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Joseph P. Murphy; daughter, Kathryn J. Murphy; and sisters Marion, Joan, and Dorothy.

Virginia graduated from Mount Mercy Academy in Buffalo, New York. She worked as a secretary for the law office of Whiting, Heider, and Schwartzman in Buffalo, NY. Virginia was a dedicated volunteer, beginning her service with the Hurley Heritage Society in 1972 and eventually becoming president of the board. She also served on the boards of the Kingston YMCA and the Kingston Garden Club and volunteered for the American Cancer Society. 

Virginia was an avid skier, picking up skis in 1950 and continuing until the age of 80. She spent many winters with her family and friends at the Highmount Ski Center in Belleayre, New York. In addition to skiing, she enjoyed gardening, tennis, rug braiding, puzzle making and tap dancing. Virginia and her husband owned an old stone house in Hurley and enjoyed giving tours on Stone House Day for many years.

Virginia was known to many as a kind and caring person with a zest for life. She loved parties, always being the first on the dance floor and the last to leave. Virginia is survived by her brother Charles Makey, four children: Joseph P. Murphy, Jr., and his wife Amanda of Glenford, NY; Elizabeth Wensberg and her husband Peter of Stafford, New Hampshire; Mollie Berg of Red Hook, New York; and Nellie Spacek and her husband Christopher of Brecksville, Ohio. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Garrett, Sophia, Ander, Shannon, Madeline, Leah, Benjamin, Landry, and Harper; and many nieces and nephews.

A private family burial will take place at Hurley Cemetery. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Hurley Heritage Society, 52 Main St., Hurley, New York, 12443.