Laura Eleanor Murphy passed away on October 23, 2021 in the comfort of her home surrounded by family. Laura was born on January 19, 1936 to Florence and David Coari in Chicago Illinois. She was raised in Chicago and the western suburbs and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst in 1954.
Laura married Joseph Murphy in 1956 and moved to West Chicago, Illinois where they raised their 3 children. Laura’s fierce love of family was emulated throughout her life. Her welcoming and warm spirit created a sense of family in all aspects of her life whether it was with friends, coworkers, or animals.
Raising her family was her priority and as her children grew, she worked as the school secretary and bookkeeper. Throughout her life she had various jobs including a successful career with Aetna Insurance in which she retired in 1995. Once retired, Laura and Joe moved to their summer lake house in Wisconsin and created a warm and loving home for family and friends to gather over the years.
Laura touched so many people during her 85 years of life through her love of family and friends, strength, caring nature, sense of humor, creative spirit, love of gardening, and many other attributes that connected her to people. She was the “fun and spirited” mom, grandma, great grandma and aunt, a loving wife and daughter, and a passionate friend to many. Her spirit lives on in all of us.
Laura is survived by her husband Joe; son, Joey (Mary), daughter, Kathi, daughter Laurie (Shawn); 9 grandchildren, Dan (Lori), Jami (Sinatra), David, Jodi, Cori (Dan), Jim (Natalie), Nick (Lori), Ric (Brittney), Matt; 9 great-grandchildren, Colin, Mason, Jasmin, Joe, Bella, Dylan, Sawyer, Lucas, Kayla; cousins, Carol Coari, Jim (Julie) Coari; brother-in-law, Denny Murphy; sister-in-law, Donna Murphy; and a plethora (Mom would have loved this word) of nieces and nephews.
Laura is preceded in death by her parents Florence and David Coari; great-grandson, Braylon Lighthall; aunt and uncle Virgil and Bea Coari: cousin, Geraldine Johnson, parents-in-law, William and Violet Murphy; sister-in-law, Joy Murphy; brother-in-law, Jerry Murphy; and many other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Laura’s name to Rainbow Hospice or The ALS Association.
Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
