Karen Marie Murphy (Rice)

Karen Marie Murphy

2/4/63-8/15/26

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Karen Marie Murphy. Born on 2/4/63, she left this Earth and was guided to Heaven on 8/15/26 by her loving parents who preceded her. We can only imagine the welcome she received, surrounded by love and God's glory. Karen was the 11th of 14th children, reared in Gardena, California. She attended St. Anthony of Padua School, Bishop Montgomery High School, and Cal State University, Long Beach. Being from a large, loving family, Karen was a natural entertainer, organizer, leader, had an infectious laugh with a smile to match, and brightened up any room that she entered. Her style, enthusiasm, and energy were unparalleled. Karen worked for Compusource as a Senior Systems Engineer, holding her own in a predominately male-dominated environment and making a significant impact. Volunteering - and specifically, helping others - was a lifelong passion for Karen. She worked with many organizations and supported multiple charities, including: Feed the Hungry Ministry, Pathways Hospice, Meals on Wheels, and teaching CCD. Some of her hobbies were: teaching Jazzercise, music and attending musicals, arts and crafts, organizing entertainment for the annual Murphy Family Reunion, and being the “go to” person for snacks and candy for her many nieces and nephews (and others!), which earned her the moniker “Aunt Wonka”. However, Karen's biggest source of pride and driving force in life was her son, Shane. She was a wonderful mother who never failed to instill values and how to be a good person and make the world a better place. Shane is the embodiment of her kind, caring, generous, adventurous heart. Karen embraced life full throttle, and we were all along for the ride. She leaves behind an amazing legacy and many who dearly miss her, among whom are her 13 siblings, a multitude of family members and friends, and her son and his beautiful fiancé, Vitória, who will most certainly carry on her legacy. Thank you for continuing to keep the Murphy and Rice families in your prayers.

*Those who wish to honor Karen may do so by making a donation to the Feed the Hungry Ministry at St. Cyprian Parish, 4714 Clark Ave., Long Beach, Ca, 90808 with a note in the memo line “Feed the Hungry Ministry in honor of Karen Rice”.

Another option would be to make an On-Line Donation to His Nesting Place at www.hisnestingplace.org .