Frances M. Murphy

Oriskany- Frances M. Murphy 89, of Cider St. passed away on Monday, March 2, 2015. She was born in Dorchester, New Brunswick on January 3, 1926 to Fredrick Miller and Annie (Shannon) Miller. Frances was educated and graduated from Dorchester High School. After graduation she joined the Canadian Women's Army Corp. during WWII. She served in Vancouver as a communication specialist. While in the Army she met Canadian soldier Malcolm V. Murphy and was married on June 10, 1946 in Dorchester, New Brunswick. This was a blessed and loving union that endured for nearly 69 years. Fran was a member of the Oriskany Presbyterian Church; Order of the Eastern Star, chapter Oriskany-Westmoreland #471; Women's Army Corps Veterans Assoc (New York Chapter # 44); Rome AARP; Kirkland Bird Club and Nature Conservancy-Central NY chapter. Her leisure time was spent organizing and planning their many wilderness cross-country trips from Alaska to Nova Scotia, California to Florida and every back road, stream and lake they could explore. This also included worldwide nature tours, Snowmobiling trips through Canada, 4-wheeling, hiking, wilderness camping and canoeing. She also loved to listen to Mac play guitar and harmonica at Mohawk Valley Blue Grass. She was predeceased by her Husband Malcolm; parents Frederick and Annie Miller of Dorchester NB and sisters: Edna Miller, NB and Anne Tower, NB. Frances is survived by one daughter and son in law, Audrey (James) Mihalko of Boonville, NY: two sons and a daughter in law, Robert ( Wendy) Murphy of Clarksville, VA and Russell Murphy of Oriskany, NY, six grand-children Tammy Cooper, VA; Shawn Murphy, VA; Randall Mihalko, OR; Geoff Mihalko, OR; Brian Mihalko, CA; Jaime Mihalko, NC and 8 great grand-children: Sarah, Megan, Murphy, Madeline, Grayson, Weston, Ashlyn and Amelia. There is no service or calling hours. In lieu of flowers donations, may be made to the Oriskany Fire Dept.