Margaret “Peggy” Murphy, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, nurse, and friend, passed away on June 24, 2026, at the age of 79.

Born and raised in Ashland, Pennsylvania, Peg was a proud daughter of that close-knit community and remained deeply connected to it throughout her life. She enjoyed walking the hills with her neighbor Pat, ice skating with her dad on the pond behind their house, riding the “Lokie” steam engine with her mom, taking the mine tour to see the “mammoth vein” at Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train, and especially making “CMPs” (chocolate, marshmallow and peanuts on vanilla ice cream) at the town store, Schillings. After graduating from Immaculate Heart High School in 1964, she moved to Philadelphia to attend the Temple University School of Nursing, being the first in her family to receive a degree. It was while working as a nurse at St. Christopher Children’s Hospital that she met the love of her life, Joseph Murphy. He was thankfully persistent after seeing that cute nurse behind the desk and after being rejected politely with a “No, thank you” a few times, she finally agreed to go on a date. Together, they built a beautiful marriage of 57 years, a loving family, and a home in Abington and then Jenkintown where countless memories were made, stories were told, and much laughter was shared.

Though Peg was a dedicated nurse, her most cherished role and job became those of Mom and Nana. Her family was the center of her world, and she poured endless love, patience, and kindness into every generation. Nana never missed a birthday, game or performance, even if it meant seeing the same show five or six times! She is survived by her devoted husband, Joseph Murphy Jr., her children, Joseph Murphy III, along with his wife Amy, and Meg Kolachny, and her grandchildren, Kathryn, Anna, Joseph IV, Jacob, and Brandon. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Anna Perrong, son-in-law, Frank Kolachny, and brother-in-law, Charlie Murphy. Peggy also leaves behind a large extended family of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and an immense amount of dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Peggy had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. Although she was an only child, she had more people consider themselves her sisters, brothers, and family than one could imagine. Mom led with strength, love and devotion. She always let you know what was on her mind with conviction and needed few words to do so. She was a friend and defender of all and believed deeply in the importance of relationships. Her grandchildren will forever remember her gentle teachings and advice, especially, “Make new friends, but keep the old.” It was a reflection of the way she lived: with an open heart, unwavering loyalty, and genuine care for others.

Nana found joy in life’s simple pleasures, whether spending time with family in the kitchen on “Oyster and Olive Fridays” with a cold martini, reading a good book while getting ready for book club, enjoying a fudgie-wudgie bar while relaxing at the beach, or watching her favorite movie, The Sound of Music. She was an active member of St. Anne’s Guild in Ashland and carried her Catholic faith, generosity, and compassion into every aspect of her life.

To know our Mom and Nana was to know organization, determination, perception, patience, kindness, and, most of all, unconditional love. Her contagious ability to giggle and inability to stop once it started, coupled with her gentle spirit, touched everyone she met, and we are all better for knowing and loving her. Her legacy will live on through the family she adored and the countless lives she brightened. Though our hearts are broken by her loss, we are grateful for the many years of love, laughter, wisdom, and memories she gave us. She will be forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Peggy’s life at Immaculate Conception Church in Jenkintown, PA on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:15 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM.  Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train in Ashland, PA. https://www.pioneertunnel.com 

Words of condolence and remembrance may be shared on Margaret’s tribute wall at McGoldrick Funeral Home. www.mcgoldrickfh.com