DONNA “GRACE” JENKINS MURPHY

SHOREHAM — On Oct. 30, 2024, our beloved Donna “Grace” Jenkins Murphy passed away peacefully at the McClure Miller Respite House. She fought dementia with ferocity.

Born in Danby, Vt., on March 2, 1942, to Hawley and Helen (Kievra) Jenkins, she was their oldest child. When she was 10 years old, Mom lost her mother and learned homemaking skills quickly, helping her father raise her younger sister and brother.

She attended Danby schools and graduated from Wallingford High School. There she met her future husband, Mead, in study hall. Mead and Donna started farming in Wallingford until they put their roots down in Orwell. Mom worked alongside Dad on the farm while raising three children. She made the best meals for us growing up and her apple pie was the best. She was a familiar face working seasonally at Douglas Orchards. She was crafty and enjoyed painting Mead’s woodcarvings. Her most important job in life was that of mother and eventually grandmother. Always willing to pick up a sick grandchild or lend a helping hand was what she was about. She especially loved having her grandchildren poolside in the summers.

In her retirement years, she and Dad enjoyed traveling around the U.S. They eventually landed in Myrtle Beach, S.C., with their cherished Snow Bird community. During her winter years there, she enjoyed combing the beach, shopping and time spent with friends.

She is survived by her children, David Murphy and Jen Murphy; daughter in law Carol Murphy; grandchildren, Janielle, Joseph and Kalee; great-grandchildren Oliver, Raegan, Henry, Carter, Paisley, Oaklyn and Evelyn; and dog Maggie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mead Murphy; son, Daniel Murphy; and siblings, Edward Jenkins and Elizabeth Mclellan.

Many thanks to Haley Duquette, R.N., for coordinating the transfer of care that Mom needed in her final weeks. Also thanks to the staff and volunteers of the Respite House.

The kindness and compassion experienced there was exceptional. Should anyone want to contribute, the Respite House is a very special place.

Calling hours will be at Sanderson Funeral Home in Middlebury, Vt., on Nov. 16, from 9-11 a.m. to celebrate both Mom and Dad.

Online condolences at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com. ◊