Joyce Eleanor Murphy (Bisbee)'s Obituary
Joyce Eleanor Murphy (Bisbee), 81, passed away peacefully in her home on May 12, 2022, in Portland, Oregon. She is survived by her husband, James (Jim) Murphy, her children Greg (Michelle), Trevor, Teri (Steve) and Kevin, three grandchildren Koryn Murphy, Sean (Casey) Murphy, Kyle (Oryah) Murphy and one great grandchild, Maggie Rose Murphy.
Joyce was raised in Waterville, Washington and graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1962 with a bachelor of arts in elementary education. Joyce began her career teaching in Kirkland, Washington and then working with students with disabilities in San Jose, California.
Joyce and Jim were married in 1964 in Waterville and then settled in the Portland area and she stayed home to raise their family. As their children grew, Joyce became a substitute teacher for the Oregon City School District, taught part time at Holcomb elementary and then full time at Christ the King elementary. Teaching was one of Joyce’s passions and she continued serving local youth in her neighborhood by volunteering to tutor at the local elementary school and St. Rita’s.
Joyce enjoyed traveling with her family to national parks and historical sites and was fortunate to travel internationally with her husband. She loved the beach, hiking, reading and gardening in her yard. She also loved learning new hobbies such as toll painting, macramé, and re-upholstering furniture. Joyce loved her family most of all, and was ecstatic to enjoy visits with her great grandchild, Maggie.
In recent years Joyce was actively involved in her exercise/walking club, and the St. Rita’s Women’s Guild, and is remembered for her selflessness with her time commitment to serving the needs of others in her family and community.
A funeral mass and reception will be held for Joyce on Saturday, May 28, at 10:00AM, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Portland, OR.
What’s your fondest memory of Joyce?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joyce?
Share a story where Joyce's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joyce you’ll never forget.
How did Joyce make you smile?
