Patricia Ann "Pat" Murphy - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Patricia Ann “Pat” Murphy

October 30, 1933 - May 14, 2025

Patricia Ann “Pat” Murphy, age 91, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Born in Childs, MD on October 30, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Grace (Howell) Harvey. Pat was a graduate of Newark High School with the class of 1951. She was a great mother and grandmother. She could become instant friends with anyone by striking up a conversation on a plane or waiting in line at the grocery store and always had a fun story to tell.

Pat loved to travel and was always looking forward to her next trip. When she wanted to get away locally, she enjoyed visiting Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Lancaster, PA. In her spare time, Pat loved to go shopping, dancing, or visit the casinos. She was an experienced Bridge player and a member of several Bridge clubs. Pat could often be found working in her garden or relaxing with a book. She loved to treat her family and friends to a delicious home cooked meal and desserts. Her love for cooking also led her to be a member of the Fairfield Gourmet Club. Pat took great delight in hosting and entertaining whenever she could. She especially cherished the memories she made at family gatherings.  She enjoyed giving back to her community as a member of the Newark Century Club. Pat had been a member of St. Johns Catholic Church, where she and her husband of 53 years had been married. She was a fun loving spirit whether it was a neighborhood get together, tailgating at the U of D games, or an informal gathering on the driveway. She was always the first to sing a song even though she knew she had a bad singing voice.  Pat was the first on the dance floor with her Delaware/Amoco transplant crowd, dancing to an old country tune at the dance halls having learned to two-step during her years in Texas.

In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Joseph Murphy; son, Mark Murphy; stepmother, Emma Harvey; and brother, John Harvey. She is survived by her children, Maureen Fulghum (James), Michael B. Murphy (Kathy), and Kevin J. Murphy (Linda); grandchildren, Jessica Capece, Ryan Fulghum, Shannon Spotts, Sean Murphy, Madelyn Murphy, Kyle Murphy, and Spencer Murphy; brother-in-law, Jack Murphy; nieces and nephews, Danny Harvey, Vicki Harvey, Diane Harvey, Jane Orescan, and Susan Del Persio; companion, Robert Dougherty; and 8 great-grandchildren.

The Murphy family would like to extend a special thank you to Abbey Manor Assisted Living and Amedisys Hospice in Elkton, MD for their excellent compassion and care.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12:30 pm. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online by clicking here (www.alz.org/); or to the Amedisys Foundation, 107 Chesapeake Blvd, Suite 134, Elkton, MD 21921.

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10 Condolences for Patricia Ann “Pat” Murphy

  • She was a role model of grace and hospitality. She charmed everyone by being unashamedly herself. She was warm and funny, kind and generous.

  • Dear Maureen, Kevin and the entire family,
    My sincere condolences to all of you. Pat was a very special lady. Thank you for sharing Pat with us at The Vero at Newark. Pat and her companion Bob surely were a team. Where you saw Pat, you saw Bob.
    Again, my deepest condolences.
    Sincerely,
    BJ DiDonato
    The Vero at Newark

  • Dear Maureen, Michael, Kevin, Bob, and Family,
    We were sorry to hear about Pat’s passing. Pat was a beautiful person, she lived a good life, and was always fun to be around. We have great memories of when Pat visited us in Seattle and we went on the Alaska cruise together. Thank you Pat for being such a nice person and making everyone around you feel comfortable.
    In Sympathy and Love,
    Fran and Patti

  • Maureen, Mike, Kevin, so sorry to here of your mothers passing, I just today 5/21 was made aware from Janet Carter. We were in Delaware just a couple of weeks ago visiting Janet and asked if she had seen or talked to your mom. God Bless her and all of you, she is now with all her loved ones who have passed before her and sitting in a kitchen with my mother styling/coloring each other’s hair. Our thoughts and prayers, Love Bill, Chris & Deanna Alexander

  • Miss Pat, I only met you for a short period of time, but the moment I met you – you had a special place in my heart! You were such a sweet, funny, kind, caring, and feisty lady!!! I called you granny/mommom & you called me your granddaughter right back! I am finding such comfort in knowing you are no longer in pain and are in heaven with the angels 💕 what a loving family you have, it was such a pleasure to meet you all. Rest in peace Miss Pat 🙏🏽🩷

  • Dear Maureen, Michael, Kevin and family. We were so saddened to hear of Pat’s passing. She and your Dad were such great neighbors. Remembering all the fun we had at gourmet club, dancing at the Hilltop, and our many get togethers over the years. She was so fun loving and a pleasure to have as a neighbor and friend. She will surely be missed by all who knew her. We send our deepest condolences. love, Joyce and Cos

  • rest in heavenly peace 🕊️❤️. i’ll miss being called a “SOB” 😆. taking care of you was a pleasure and your time here was spent well.

  • To our friend You have been missed when leaving our Amoco families in Texas to move back to Delaware. You made the best move to be with family. We have many fond memories while living close to you in Clear Creek Village. She was special

  • Dear Maureen, Mike and Kevin I was so sorry to hear of your Moms passing.
    she lived a good life, God bless you all and safe journey to her. Hope she is having fun with all the Wilshire Lane members. I’ sure they are all partying her arrival. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • I’m sorry to hear about your loss