Elizabeth Marie Murphy

Elizabeth M. Murphy peacefully passed on Sept. 24, 2014, at ANMC, after a courageous battle with cancer. Family and loved ones held constant vigil with her; she died surrounded by their love. Elizabeth was born in Napaimute, Alaska on Feb. 12, 1938, and resided in Napaimute, Bethel, Anchorage, and Aniak before returning to live in Anchorage. Liz was a woman of many talents: she loved to cook, clean, and iron, she loved to create clothing and artwork from animal skins and she dabbled in arts and crafts. Her superfine cross-stitch pieces, especially of Jesus Christ, were time-consuming and became treasured gifts. Liz created special quilts for her children and grandchildren, demonstrating the attention to detail that she was known for and proud of. Liz also was known for her embroidery felt Eskimo sewing kits featuring berry themes. Liz's home overflowed with her love of plants, good smells from the kitchen, and walls filled with family photos. Elizabeth worked for Calista Corporation in its Stock Maintenance department, as the City Clerk in Aniak, and ardently volunteered at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Aniak, becoming a Deacon along the way. She was preceded in death by her father, Bennett Andrew; mother, Agnes Hoffman Charles; stepfather, Benjamin Charles; and her former husband, Donald J. Murphy. Survivors include sisters, Delores Matter and husband Joseph, Bertha Kristovich, and Mary Francis Charles; Agnes 'Dooksie' Beans and husband Robert; Thomas B. Charles and wife Phyllis; and brother, William F. 'Billy Boy' Charles; along with many relatives and friends. Elizabeth was the devoted mother of Devron M. Hellings of Anchorage, Michael P. Murphy of Durbin, South Africa, Janel L. Gilles of Indian and Erin M. Murphy of Anchorage; grandmother of Angela M. Taylor, Adriane 'Nikki' Walas, Ben Charles, Donald Charles and Connor L. Hellings; and great-grandmother of Kyle Winkler, Emma, Grayson, Paisley, Rafe, and Genevieve Taylor, whom all called her 'GeeGee'. Elizabeth nurtured special friendships with Mike Hellings, Steve Gilles and Steve Taylor. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, at 1 p.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 825 Klevin with Fr. Fred Burgarin officiating. Traditional feed to be held at the Hellings residence following the service and on her 40-day. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Alaska, www.alaskacremation.com.