Katherine “Bonnie” Macdonald Murphy’s long and arduous affliction with Alzheimer’s Disease ended on October 1, 2009. She was surrounded by her family as she passed peacefully from this earth. She was under the loving care of the Heatherwood Nursing Home and Odyssey Hospice Care.

Bonnie was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on July 24, 1934. She was a daughter of the late Alexander Howard & Bridget ‘Delia’ Donahue Macdonald. Her siblings include Marjorie Nagle of Rochester, NH and the late Patricia Leys of Newport.

Bonnie was a proud graduate of St. Joseph’s Grammar School and a 1954 graduate of St. Catherine’s High School. She was the former wife of the late Dennis J. Murphy, Jr. She was the devoted and beloved mother of: Elizabeth M. Ward of Middletown , Laura M. Keener of Quincy, MA, Magen M. Sigel of Medina, OH, Jane M. ‘Holly’ Garvey of Middletown, Patrick D. Murphy of South Boston, the late Nora Margaret Murphy, Katherine Murphy, Nancy Murphy, and Dennis J. Murphy, III. Her enduring legacy is her ten grandchildren in which she reveled and delighted in; Greta Sigel, Katherine Sigel, Charlotte Sigel, Laura Sigel, David Garvey, Quinn Garvey, Michael Garvey, Kelsey Keener, Alexandra Keener, and Lily Keener. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.

Her greatest accomplishment was preserving 14 acres of land, through the Aquidneck Island Land Trust, for the children of Middletown to use as soccer fields. She loved the idea of hearing the squeal and joy of children running through the fields she tended as a farmer’s wife. She was extremely compassionate and generous. She was friendly and loved a good laugh. She was a staunch Democrat and an avid fan of the Patriots, the Red Sox, and the Celtics. She adored all the pets that were connected to her life.

Donations and flowers are respectfully omitted especially during this time of economic strife. Our mother endured many hardships in her life and would not want anyone to experience financial duress as a result of her death. Please keep her memory in your heart and best wishes in your prayers.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, Newport, RI. Arrangements have been made by O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home. Calling hours are omitted.

For more information please visit www.onhfh.com

Reported: 10/07/09 (Show all obituaries for this day)
By: O\'Neill-Hayes Funeral Home (Show all obituaries and information about this funeral home)

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