Obituary of Patricia Ann Murphy

Patricia Ann Murphy (Patricia Gorski) July 21, 1951 – March 4, 2017 Patricia Ann Murphy was born in Toledo on July 21, 1951. She was born from the union of Richard Murphy and Virginia (Bankowski) Murphy. Patricia attended Central Catholic High School graduating with the Class of 1969. She continued her studies at the University of Toledo obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Social Services Technology. Pat used her education as a Case Worker and later a Supervisor for the Lucas County Department of Health and Human Services where she retired after 28 years. Her passion for helping others continued into retirement, serving on the Children’s Rights Council where she assisted families in need with their supervised court-ordered visitation plans. Pat’s work was reflective of deep compassion for people and her never ending commitment to advocate for those who could not advocate for themselves. Until the end, she lent her voice to anyone she felt was being treated unfairly. To all who knew her, Pat was always adventurous, fun loving and unpredictable. To many people’s surprise, after retirement, she obtained a commercial drivers license that allowed her to transport various tour groups throughout the Midwest. She was an accomplished amateur bowler, played the French horn and more recently enjoyed casino trips with friends. Pat was a lifelong learner, always intrigued by people and differing cultures. She was an avid reader of biographies, nonfiction crime mysteries, the Amish culture and the Alaskan Bush. She loved to gift quirky and interesting items to family and friends. In 1979, Pat was the subject of a feature article in the Blade where she demonstrated ‘extreme couponing’, years before gaining its current notoriety. Despite being cut short, Patricia led a full life. Patricia Ann Murphy, age 65, of Temperance passed away on Saturday; March 4, 2017. Her passing was preceded by her parents. To honor her memory, Patricia leaves two daughters: Julianne Chapman (Bill Gatewood) of Brighton, and Erica Pfaff of Toledo; two siblings: Robert (Mary) Murphy of Erie and Nancy Baca of Albuquerque, New Mexico; three grandsons: Cody Chapman, Alex Pfaff, and Ben Pfaff; and three step grandchildren: Lyndsey Chapman, Hayla Gatewood, and Grif Gatewood; numerous nieces; nephews; and several close cousins. Friends may gather on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 from 2:00pm until a Time of Sharing at 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service; 9156 Summit Street in Erie (734) 848-5185. She will lie in state from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2214 Manhattan Street. Father David Cybulski will officiate, and procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery for burial. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort order a floral tribute or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.