Laureen Murphy

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Laureen “Reene” Murphy, who left our world peacefully on April 15, 2025, surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with interstitial lung disease.

Reene Claire (Boyle) Murphy was born in January 1947 in Pittsburgh, PA, where she met and married her husband of 58 years, Ken. Shortly after the births of their three children—Mark, Kevin, and Kristyn—the family relocated briefly to Charleston, West Virginia, and then permanently to Delaware in 1976. She was a loving wife and mother, and the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren who brought her immense joy and pride.

From a young age, Reene possessed a remarkable athletic ability, which blossomed into a lifelong passion for playing and watching tennis. She was a member of the Brandywine Tennis Doubles, where her team reached a top ranking in the Delaware Tennis Association and competed in the 1986 USTA/Volvo National Championship finals in Seabrook Island, SC.

Reene also had a deep love for baking, gardening, nature, and animals. She shared this passion through volunteer work, creating a beautiful backyard haven for butterflies and hummingbirds, and caring for many neighborhood animals—including nurturing a sick fox back to health.

Though she was the last to take credit for her influence, Reene created a loving, joyful, and stable home for her family. Her unwavering values of strength, accountability, and perseverance were quietly passed on to her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her. These qualities were especially evident as she faced her greatest challenge with grace and resilience.  Throughout her illness, she never once complained, always showed strength, and continued to give love and care to others, always putting them first.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Temple Lung Center and Dr. Nathaniel Marchetti for their care and consultation over the past several years. Additional gratitude to Christiana Care, Accent Hospice, visiting RN Jennifer Towers, and the compassionate hospice caregivers Jenelle & Natasha whose support allowed Reene to spend her final months at home, surrounded by her husband and family.

A Memorial Mass for friends and family will be held in Reene’s honor on May 9, 2025, at Saint Mary of the Assumption Church in Hockessin, DE (Visitation at 10:00 a.m., Mass at 11:00 a.m.). A private inurnment will follow at Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square, PA.

Reene is survived by her husband, Kenneth Murphy—her loving partner, advisor, and confidant—as well as their beloved children: Mark Murphy (Vicki), Kevin Murphy (Susan), and Kristyn Forrester (Karl Miller). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren—Kiera, Will, Claire, Olivia, Abby, Charles, Karlie, and Raina—her sisters and lifelong friends Judy Stalder (Jim) and Lois Lisac, and many loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Lung Health www.giving.temple.edu/lungcenter reflecting her brave battle and the hope for a cure for others. Alternatively, Tri State Bird Rescue & Research https://tristatebird.givingfuel.com/support in honor of Reene’s love for animals and nature.

Rest in peace, Reene. You will be dearly missed. Your legacy of love, kindness, and care will live on in all of us.