C.. Audrey Murphy

C. Audrey Murphy of Meadville, gently passed from this life on Sunday, June 22, 2014, just four days before her 95th birthday.

She was born in Erie on June 26, 1919, the youngest child of William and Edith (Forrester) McCullough. Following the tragic death of her mother in 1924, she and her sisters and brother were raised by their grandparents, Albert and Frances (Prescott) Forrester, as their father was a Ships Captain on the Great Lakes.

Audrey graduated from Academy High School in 1937. She was also a graduate of Erie Commercial College. She had various jobs, but the most memorable may have been as a 'Rosie the Riveter,' making shock absorbers for B-17s, never knowing that her future husband would be a B-17 pilot during the 'Big War'.

On October 19, 1942 Audrey married Jack Murphy and they began their adventure. Together they toured most of the southern states while Jack was in training to get his wings. In 1945 he was sent overseas to Italy, and Audrey returned to Erie to have their first child and await his safe return. After the war they transferred to Meadville in 1948 where they settled and raised their three children.

In 1976, with all the children raised, Audrey finally learned to drive, and she and her little Chevette 'Buttercup' were rarely home at all. She became what her husband lovingly referred to her as 'Meadvilles Leading Volunteer.' She was actively involved in the Humane Society, the Public Library and Meadville Medical Center as an escort and helping at the information desk. She was also a member of the former Spencer Hospital Auxiliary, Ladies Advisory Committee, Meadville Medical Center Auxiliary, and the Elks Auxiliary. She was the Chairwoman for two very successful Charity Balls during her tenure. Audrey was most proud to have been a member of the Meadville Womens Club for over thirty years, serving in numerous offices (her favorite being Corresponding Secretary for several past Presidents).

Audrey was an avid reader. She enjoyed gardening, needlepoint, and knitting. Following her husbands passing in 1995, she particularly loved eating out at Applebees, Chovys, and Kings. She made many great friends at those restaurants and we are very grateful to all for being so kind to her throughout the years. We truly appreciate Dr. Martin Decker for all of his compassion and tender care extended to her over the years. And we must also thank Arlene Ziccardi (her other 'daughter') and all the girls at the Cutting Edge for their patience and kindness these past years.

Audrey is survived by her three children, Patricia and her husband Frank Sobota of Paoli, Sheila and her husband Richard Bradley of Meadville, Mark and his wife Betsy Murphy of Saegertown. She is further survived by her grandchildren, Kelly Sobota Wallace of Downington, Adam Murphy of Meadville, Ben and his wife Katie Murphy of Clarksville, TN, Caitlyn Murphy of Chicago, IL.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Murphy, her parents, her sisters Beatraice Gasper and Thelma MacCubbin and her brother Eugene McCullough.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, from 2-4 at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, where a Scripture Service will be conducted at 4 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 28, 2014, at St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church, 353 Pine St., Meadville, with Fr. Matthew Kujawinski, Pastor, officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Crawford County, 11012 Kennedy Hill Rd. or the Meadville Public Library, 848 N. Main St., both in Meadville, PA 16335.

Audrey will be laid to rest, next to her husband, Jack, in St. Agatha Cemetery, West Mead Twp.

Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com