POWNAL, Vt. —  Paula Jean Coons Murphy, age 94, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, surrounded by her family, leaving a legacy of love, strength and devotion.

Paula lived a long and meaningful life rooted in faith, family, and resilience. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a steady, caring presence to those who loved her.

Paula’s love story began early. Her husband, Donald R. Murphy, was her next-door neighbor and friend from the age of 12. Together they built a life centered on family and shared memories.

She fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher, graduating summa cum laude from North Adams State Teacher’s College in 1954 with a Bachelor’s degree. She taught in Williamstown and Stockbridge before finding her long-time classroom home teaching first grade at Greylock School in North Adams. Former students and their families often greeted Mrs. Murphy years later with hugs and smiles, a testament to the lasting impact she had on so many young lives.

Her family was her greatest joy. After the passing of her husband, she made her home with her daughter Cara and husband, Bert, where she became a central part of a growing and loving household. Cousins often joined this close-knit group, and many learned to read under Grammy’s patient and loving guidance.

Paula loved the outdoors and cherished time spent camping and swimming—first at Mauserts with her children, and later at Fish Pond with her grandchildren. She had a special talent for floating effortlessly on her back for hours, feet crossed and head above water; a skill proudly passed down even to her great-grandchildren.

Her love of horses led her to become a longtime 4-H leader in Williamstown, sharing her passion with many young people. Holidays were always made special through her traditions, surrounded by family, and she never missed watching The Grinch and singing carols, even this past Christmas.

For many years, she began each day by calling her children to check in, a reflection of her deep love and connection to her family. She will be remembered for her strength, her enduring faith, and her unwavering devotion to those she loved.

In her final days, Paula found comfort in her faith and often spoke of being ready to meet the Lord, bringing peace to those around her.

She is survived by her children: Cara (Murphy) Miller and her husband, Albert Miller of Pownal, Vermont; Jonathan Murphy and his wife, Kathy Murphy of Williamstown, Massachusetts; and Galyn (Murphy)Wirtes of Chesterfield, Virginia.

She is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Cara and Bert’s children: Joshua Miller and his wife, Erin, of Pownal, Vermont, and their children, Beau and Robbie; Ryan Miller and his wife, Erin, of Pownal, Vermont; Kate Miller and her partner, Reed Foehl, of Pownal, Vermont; and Sara (Miller) Tator and her husband, Robert, of Pownal, Vermont, and their daughters, Grace, Lucy, and Rose, with whom Nana lived before making her home at the Vermont Veterans Home; Christopher Miller and his wife, Samantha, of Pownal, Vermont, and their daughter, Sophie.

Galyn’s children: Jeremy Wirtes and his wife, Corinne of Midlothian Virginia and their children, Jackson, Reece, and Charlie; and Jacob Wirtes and his wife, Kelsey, and their children, Walker, Oliver, and Colter, all of White Rock, New Mexico.

Jonathan and Kathy’s children: Jennifer Bogacki and her husband, Jared, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and their children, Ava and Emmanuelle; and Benjamin Murphy of Williamstown, Massachusetts, and his children, Alexander and Jack.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald R. Murphy and her granddaughter Megan Miller.

A graveside service will be held at Eastlawn Cemetery in Williamstown.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Vermont Veterans Home for their compassionate care and requests memorial donations to the Vermont Veterans Home Activity Fund c/o Flynn and Dagnoli Funeral Homes 75 Marshall Street North Adams, MA 01247

Her family finds comfort in the words of Jeremiah 33:3: “Call on me and I will answer you…” She will be deeply missed and forever loved.