Dena Murphy Obituary

Dena Jeanne Murphy (nee Hallock) passed away peacefully at her home on May 5, 2023 after a brief illness. Dena, as she was known to friends, or Jeanne as she was known to family, was born in Clearfield, Pennsylvania in 1931. She lived in Baltimore for the majority of her 91 years, most recently at the Glen Meadows Retirement Community in Glen Arm, Maryland. Preceding Jeanne in death were her husband, John Carroll Murphy, her two sons Robert Earl and James Leroy Kirkpatrick, and two siblings, David Hallock of Clearfield, Pennsylvania and Linda Ninkovich of New Freedom, Pennsylvania. She is survived by her son Mike Kirkpatrick (wife Kathy) of Tucson, Arizona, daughter Debbie Cain (husband Bill) of Dundalk, Maryland, and sisters Shirley Evans of Cape Cod, Massachusetts and Janet Franklin of Baltimore, MarylandA notably strong and independent woman, she raised her four kids on her own for many years, never seeking assistance from others. Having held a special place in her heart for her maternal grandmother, she pledged to be that special person to her grandchildren as well. She was absolutely successful in that endeavor and will be sorely missed by her five grandchildren: Shannon, Amy, and Eric (Mike's children), Chris (Jim's daughter), and Curtis (Debbie's son), as well as her numerous great grandchildren. Dena was a longstanding member of the Hamilton Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Maryland, and was much-loved by many in her church family. Interment will be at Gardens of Faith Memorial Gardens adjacent to her sons and husband. At her request, no services are planned and the interment will be private.