Murphy, Velma J.

It’s with a very sad heart that the family of Velma June Jarvis Longo Murphy, 95, announce her peaceful passing on December 6, 2024, at her home in Torrance, California.

Velma was born in Springfield, MA in 1929, the only child of Ida and Harry Jarvis. As a teenager her parents divorced and her mother married Carlo Longo, who adopted Velma.

Velma was graduated from Mercy High School in Springfield and worked as a clerk for the Aetna Insurance Company for a few years. She married Herbert Murphy (deceased) and they had two children, Kevin Murphy (Laura) and Kathy Murphy Barry (Robert).

Velma traveled extensively throughout her life as Herbert’s job assignments dictated, spending a few years in San Paolo, Brazil; Lexington, KY; Buffalo, NY; Kingston, Jamaica; West Springfield; and Canton before finally moving to Torrance, CA to be closer to Kathy and her family.

Velma was an extremely outgoing person who could talk to anyone and make an instant friend. She was very proud to keep a welcoming home, putter in her garden, and do whatever was necessary for her children. If the children got into trouble at school, and sometimes we did, she would put on her sneakers and go down there and straighten those people out. Velma was an amazing cook and Italian, her heritage, was definitely her specialty. Once, preparing for a trip to Italy, she spent three days creating an amazing Italian feast that took many hours to enjoy, from appetizers to first and second courses, to dessert and one of her favorite drinks, limoncello, which she also made.

Velma was active for years in the Canton Garden Club and the Canton Catholic Italian Women’s Club, serving as the treasurer. The joy of her life were her children, her grandchildren, Samantha (Chris), Christian (Pam), Kevin C. (Waldina), Stephanie (partner Jim), and Victor (partner Madeleine), and eventually her great-grandchildren Kevin J., Alana, Gidget, Loralei, and Leah.

At end of life, the family gives a very special thank you to Velma’s caregivers, Josie and Glenda.

Services will be private, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Canine Companions, or to a charity of your choosing. Velma loved animals and thought that no one should go hungry.

Velma had a wonderful laugh, a bright smile, and a warm heart. She is greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Con Te Partiro.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Dec 26 2024. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.