Theresa G. Murphy, 90

HOUSATONIC, Mass. — Mrs. Theresa Gilda (Spagnuolo) Murphy, 90, of Housatonic died on December 7, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Pittsfield on January 16, 1928, the daughter of Giosue and Maria Grazia (Garzone) Spagnuolo. Theresa received her elementary education from the former Tucker Elementary School and was a graduate of Pittsfield High School. Theresa worked for the Elmvale Worsted Mill and the former Glick Brandt Pajama Factory in Pittsfield, and also as housekeeper and cook at the Corpus Christi Rectory in Housatonic. The majority of her life was dedicated to being a wife and mother.

As a member of the Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Corpus Christi Church, Theresa was active in the parish life serving through the years as a member of the Parish Pastoral Council, the Choir, and a religious education teacher. She was a longtime member of the Corpus Christi Rosary and Altar Sodality where she served as past president. Theresa was also a member of the Saint Teresa of Calcutta Rosary Sodality and the Saint Peter Women’s Guild. For many years she volunteered in area nursing homes praying the rosary and visiting the residents. Theresa also served as a Eucharistic Minister for Berkshire Medical Center and was a volunteer for Hospice of South Berkshire.

Theresa was a member of the St. Clare of Assisi Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order, Third order of St. Francis. She became a Perpetually Professed member on October 16, 1977 at Corpus Christi Church, Housatonic. She took the name Elizabeth Seaton as her Franciscan name.

She married her husband, John F. Murphy, on April 15, 1950, and they shared 66 happy years. John died on May 20, 2016. She leaves her six children: Deborah M. Pelletier (Ronald), Michael A. Murphy (Karen), Collette A. Ringie (Kevin), Maria T. Murphy, Theresa G. Murphy (David), and Rev. William P. Murphy, pastor of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Housatonic and Saint Peter Parish, Great Barrington; her six grandchildren Collette Pelletier Ranaudo (Rocco), Brett T. Ringie, Patrick M. Piazza, Rachel Ringie Doyon (Lucas), Liam X. Piazza and Molly E. Ringie; her two great-granddaughters Audrey Theresa Doyon and Rosalie Mae Ranaudo; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband and her siblings, her brothers Samuel, Alphonse, John, Joseph, Anthony and Emerico, and her sisters Mary Maiorano and Anna Kiley.  

Funeral notice: The funeral for Theresa was held on December 11, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Saint Mark Church, Pittsfield. The Rev. William P. Murphy officiated. Burial was at Saint Joseph Cemetery. All services were private at the request of the deceased.

Memorial donations in memory of Theresa G. Murphy may be made to Saint Teresa of Calcutta Maintenance and Building Fund, Saint Peter Maintenance and Building Fund, Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Hospice Care in the Berkshires in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 which is in charge of arrangements.