Paula Graham Murphy of Wilmington, DE, formerly of Wellesley Hills and Osterville, MA, died on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania surrounded by her family.
Pauly, as she was known, was the loving daughter of the late Richard and Ernestine Graham of Boston, MA, and the sister of Edith Graham Grandy of Norfolk, VA. She was a graduate of Manhattanville College.
One of her greatest joys in the last 18 years was her work as a Senior Guide Specialist at the Winterthur Museum, Gardens and Library, concentrating in American decorative arts and early American furniture. She also thoroughly enjoyed her work as an Interpreter at the Nemours Estate. Pauly loved the intellectual challenge of learning about the collections and history of these two great institutions and sharing her knowledge with visitors. She cherished her special friendships made at the museums, in her book and movie clubs, over bridge tables, and throughout the Wilmington community. Prior to her move from Boston, Pauly helped run Barry Murphy & Co, Inc., a retail discount stock brokerage firm, as Vice President and Director of Trading. She was a Dame of Malta and an active supporter of the Vincent Memorial Hospital and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Pauly was a member of Christ Church and the Vicmead Hunt Club in Wilmington and a 40-year member of the Oyster Harbors Club in Osterville.
She provided extraordinary, loving care for her husband, Barry, who lived with Alzheimer’s for many years.
She was the beloved wife of the late Barry W. Murphy; loving mother of Melissa Murphy and Sam Wilkins of San Francisco, CA; Penny and Ted Ashford of Wilmington; Graham Murphy of Wilton, CT; Barry Jr. of Nichols Hills, OK; and Kara and John Hebert of Wilmington. She was a loving grandmother to Sarah Wilkins, Harry Kane, Grace and Sam Wilkins; Caroline and Elizabeth Ashford; Jackson, Harrison, and Graham Murphy; Jack, Lilly, and Margot Hebert; and Graham Jr. and Alexandra Murphy. She also leaves many cherished cousins, nephews, and their families.
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