VIRGINIA (GINNY) K. MURPHY

Virginia (Ginny) K. Murphy

October 11, 1962-July 24, 2022

Virginia (Ginny) K. Murphy of Surprise, AZ died unexpectedly on July 24, 2022 in Lawton, MI.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Squirrel’s Bar and Grill, 105 1^st Ave SW, Fairfax, MN 55332 and Sunday, September 25, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Shar’s Country Place, 3925 Marion Rd SE, Rochester, MN 55904

Ginny was born on October 11, 1962 in Sleepy Eye, MN. She was the daughter of Francis and Catherine (Garrahy) Murphy. Ginny grew up on the family farm in rural Hector, MN and attended St. Andrew’s grade school and graduated from Fairfax High School in 1981.

She was a Jill of many trades, curious, caring and compassionate, carpenter union member, who advocated for more women in the trades. She worked for many years as a carpenter and if you drive on I-94, look up as you go under the downtown St. Paul overpasses. You will see her skills there. Less obvious would be her work at Mayo Clinic and Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Always the life of the party, favorite aunt, and a fireworks aficionado. Ginny was a mover of the ridiculous and laughter. She always had a joke at the ready, a gag gift at hand and some outrageous clothing choices. She was known for showing up in costume as an old lady to surprise her nieces and nephews, using a bullhorn to call people out at the family cabin on weekends, and taking (stealing?) her sister’s prom dress so she could be a zombie Barbie for Halloween. She enjoyed being with friends and family playing Euchre and other card games.

Her creative spirit led her to learning new things. Most recently, this included glass making and claims to be teaching herself the accordion. (We never have heard her play so it remains a claim.) Ginny had a big heart. She was generous to her many nieces and nephews whether it was giving them a  place to stay, taking them on trips or back to school shopping. Her generosity extended to anyone in her circle where she shared time and energy with her friends and other loved ones. She was often the gracious host fir gatherings at her home, which inspired her to perfect the cheesecakes and Créme Bule. Her compassion extended to those she did not know. She was known to walk down the street having short conversations and giving dollars to obviously unhoused and mentally ill people. Her interactions were examples of empathy and respect.

She was especially proud of the years she was privileged to be her stepson Tony’s “bonus mom” and her love for him was endless. Her former husband, Paul, his family and many friends also felt her love and energy through the years.

An extensive family and group of friends survive Ginny. This includes her siblings, Patrick (Cathy) Murphy, Peggy Kiecker, Colleen (Steve) Blanks, Alice Fischer, Karen Murphy (Jon Stadtherr), Veronica Murphy, Leo (Joanne) Murphy, Dennis Murphy, Gail (Joel) Rieffer, Lisa Murphy (Steve Cohen); Uncle Edward (Rose Marie) Garrahy; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Ex-husband Paul Cassidy of Rochester, MN and friend, Kevin Tomky, Surprise, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Catherine Murphy; siblings, Glenn Murphy, Mary (Murphy) Appel, Robert Murphy; stepson, Tony Birkholz; brothers-in-law, Dallas Fischer and Marvin Kiecker.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to everyone for their support and expressions of sympathy at this time.

Memorials can be made in her name to your preferred animal shelter/dog rescue organization or the mental health charity of your choice.