Obituary of Claire R. Murphy

Claire R. Murphy died Saturday, November 28th. Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1927, she moved to Florence in 1952. Recently she lived at Homestead, Hamilton Square. Claire was the widow of Joseph Murphy, a school teacher and recreation director in Florence. She was a member of Holy Assumption parish and active in the PTA and rosary society for many years. Claire retired as a relocation specialist from the NJ Dept. of Community Affairs. She graduated from Thomas Edison College in her 60s. In retirement she was active in the Burlington County Catholic Widows and Widowers, and volunteered at the Burlington County Library. Claire enjoyed reading, dancing, cooking & baking, gardening, and swimming. She is survived by her children Jo-Ellen, Greg, and Laura, and her son-in-law Tom Ruble; her godson Wayne Oliver, and her adopted granddaughters Leah and Marissa Valaro; her son Terrence predeceased her. She leaves many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. The burial service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Florence Township Library, 1350 Hornberger Ave., Roebling, NJ 08554. Funeral services and burial in Holy Assumption Cemetery will be held privately. There will be no calling hours.