Nelle Hogan Murphy

MIDDLETON
MURPHY, NELLE H.
Nelle Hogan Murphy, age 87, of 9401 Old Sauk Road, Middleton, WI passed away, peacefully in her sleep and surrounded by her family, on November 18, 2009 at HospiceCare in Fitchburg, WI.   She was born in Paris, TN on November 5, 1922, the daughter of Timothy H. and Nellie Norris Hogan.  She was united in marriage to Jack Murphy on August 20, 1949 in Memphis, TN.  A graduate of Grove High School in Paris, TN, Nelle attended St. Helena's College in Louisville, KY.  Nelle traveled extensively as an Air Force wife and raised her family in San Antonio, TX, Jackson, MS, Tripoli, Libya, Duluth, MN, and Madison, WI. Nelle  lived a life of service to others including positions as Family Services Director in North Africa, President of the Officer's Wive's Club at Air Force bases in Mississippi, North Africa, and Minnesota, President of the Wisconsin Council of Catholic Women, and member of the Bishop's Advisory Board for Holy Name Society.  Mrs. Murphy's work in the Catholic Church was recognized in 2001 when she received the Pro Ecclasia et Pontifice award -- the highest recognition bestowed to laity by the Papacy.  She also had a keen interest in politics and served as a delegate to the Republican Conventions in Dallas in 1984 and San Diego in 1996.  Nelle was on the board of the Wisconsin Federation of Republican Women and was appointed by Governor Lee Dreyfus to the Equal Rights Council and by Governor Tommy Thompson to the Physical Therapy Council.   She also served as a volunteer docent at the Governor's residence for 16 years.  Being Irish, she celebrated her heritage by traveling to Ireland and participating in the Shamrock Club of Dane County.  Nelle was honored in 2002 when she was named Irish Person of the Year for Dane County and honored at the St. Patrick's Day parade, State Capitol commemoration, and a celebration dinner.  With all of her community service, Nelle's primary interest was her family.  Survivors include her daughter Maureen (Paul) Holzem of Madison, her son Timothy Hogan (Deborah) Murphy of Scottsdale, AZ, her daughter Mary Nell (Eric Salstrand) Murphy of Chicago, her granddaughters Katie and Molly Holzem, and many beloved nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her infant son, John P. Murphy Jr., her parents and brothers Tim, James, Joe, and sister Mary. The Murphy family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Paul Schmidt for his wonderful care and friendship throughout the years as well as to HospiceCare for easing the grief of Nelle's passing.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at CRESS FUNERAL HOME from 4 -- 7 pm on Friday, November 20, 2009.  There will also be a visitation from 9 -- 11am at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison on Saturday, November 21, 2009.  Following, a Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11am celebrated by Father Roger Nilles.  All are invited to attend a luncheon at St. Peter's following the Mass.  A private burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, WI and St. Peter Catholic Church, Madison,  WI                             

                                           Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
                                                   3325 E. Washington Avenue
                                                          (608) 249-6666