Marjorie Murphy

December 7, 1923 - January 5, 2022

Marjorie Jean Murphy, age 98, Topeka, Kansas, died peacefully in her sleep, Wednesday, January 5th, having been recently surrounded by most of her children and grandkids at Christmas. Marge was an actress, mother of 10, and committed wife to Tom. She was beautiful, classy, artistic, stylish, loving, and a thinker. Marge liked a good laugh and loved having people around. She was extremely well-loved and cared for in her last years. She lived life with integrity, and she enjoyed her coffee while sitting in a spot of sunshine. Marge, a Topeka resident since 1953, was born in Sioux Rapids, Iowa on December 7, 1923, to Eva and Edward Michael Murphy. After graduating from Emmetsburg Catholic High School in 1941, Marge showed great perseverance and determination to put herself through college at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Marge met Tom Murphy in college and, after she completed a BA in Fine Arts, they were married on May 27, 1948. She taught English and art and directed drama productions at Lincoln Northeast High School in Nebraska before starting a family that eventually grew to include three sons and seven daughters. Marge was active with Topeka Civic Theatre as a performer and volunteer for nearly 50 years. Her most memorable leading lady roles were in “Driving Miss Daisy”, “On Golden Pond”, and “Foxfire”, for which she won the Renna Hunter Best Actress Award. After serving three terms on TCT’s Board of Directors, and earning other acting and volunteer awards, Marge was inducted into the theatre’s Hall of Fame in 1991. Marge also acted onstage and worked behind the scenes with Helen Hocker Theater, Dale Easton Players, and Chamber Theater. A member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church since the early 1950s, Marge remained devoted to her Catholic faith throughout her life. Marge was active in Minerva Club, West Hills Club, Jaycee Janes, and Lady Shriners. Marge had a wonderful way with words and was a prolific writer of letters. She enjoyed gardening, walking, playing bridge, and regular games of Scrabble with her daughters. After Tom’s retirement, they enjoyed traveling all over the world. Marge and Tom always loved to dance! They danced together for the first time to Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine” but their favorite version was by Benny Goodman. Survivors include her children and their spouses: Erin Schluterman (Benno), Pat Murphy, Michael Murphy (Mary Lockton), Sean Turner (Jake), Pegeen Murphy, Megan Lindquist (Dan), Brigid Murphy (Jackson Clark), Sheilah Murphy, and Tara Murphy and 16 grandchildren: Brian Durow, Andrea Durow, Heather Durow, John Henry Murphy, Liam Murphy, Graham Murphy, Madeline Turner, James Turner, Michael Lindquist, Noah Lindquist, Skyler Lindquist, Aubin Murphy, Luisa Venegoni, Luca Venegoni, Elena Venegoni, and Oliver Gustavson. Marge was preceded in death by Tom, her husband of 65 years, her parents, her sister Ruth, and her son Tim. Marge’s life will be celebrated when the sun is warm, and flowers are in bloom. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Topeka Civic Theatre, and TWHS Tom and Marge Murphy Perseverance Scholarship, and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.