Barbara Murphy

Peterborough, NH

Barbara Murphy, 83, of Peterborough, died at Rivermead Life Care Community while surrounded by the love of her family, on December 5, 2017. She was born on October 21, 1934, the daughter of Richard Truman Walton and Rebecca Somonsky.

Barbara was born and raised in the quiet seaside village of Clinton, Connecticut where her love of the water, swimming and contact with nature was nurtured. A free and adventurous spirit led her to work in New York City and Colorado before settling in Suffern, NY to raise her family. When she retired she moved to Peterborough where she helped raise her grandson TJ. Barbara’s unique character of openness, acceptance and curiosity fueled her passion for travel and eastern culture. Her deep faith and natural ability to love, understand and appreciate others resulted in nurturing relationships that extended far beyond her immediate family.

Barbara is survived by her six children, Kathleen Murphy and her fiance Ken Beaudry of South Glastonbury, CT, Maureen Rossi of Boston, MA, James Murphy and his wife Jamie Paek-Murphy of Alameda, CA, William Murphy and his wife Kelly of Whitefield, NH, Terence P. Murphy of Hillsborough, NH, and Timothy F. Murphy and his wife Lourdes of Clifton, NJ; her brother Richard Walton and his wife Dottie of Clinton, CT; her grandchildren, T.J., Christopher, Robbie, Nicholas, Leah, Melissa, Andrew, Megan, Caleb, Tyler, Ethan and Takao and her great-grandchildren, Quinn, Cole and Matilda.    She also leaves her former husband and father of her children William J. Murphy of South Acworth, NH.

She was predeceased by her daughter Eileen Hower and her sister Ann Atwood.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 9th at 11:00AM at Peterborough United Methodist Church, 43 Concord Street, Peterborough, NH.   Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery, Peterborough.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Barbara's name to: Harris Center for Conservation Education. Please visit www.harriscenter.org, click on the yellow “Make a Donation” button in the right-hand column. After entering payment options, amount, and submitting donation, you will be asked to review the donation information. Click on “Add Special Instructions to the Seller” and please type in “Barbara Murphy Memorial.”