Alberta M. Murphy

Alberta Marie “Bertie” (Firkus) Murphy passed away Sept. 1st in her Williams, Mn home. She had fought COPD and colon cancer for many years. Bertie was 82.

        Born in Swift, MN June 12, 1935 to Albert P and Clarabelle A. (Allard) Firkus, Bertie was the youngest of five children. During her mid-teens she met James J Murphy Sr. They were married January 20th 1954. They resided in St. Paul until 1970 when they moved their seven children to Warroad, MN.

        Never afraid of hard work, Bertie planted trees, picked potatoes, stood fire watch in forestry fire towers, and cleaned campground to feed her large brood. She went to work at Marvin Windows until retiring in 1998.

        Bertie loved life. She was always quick with a joke and had a smile for everyone she met. She loved to garden and put up what she grew. She also had a passion for flowers.

        Bertie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her siblings, Alexander “Sonny” Firkus of Warroad, Irene Potter of Bind, ON, Patricia (Ora) Fish of Williams, and Cecilia Parnell of Warroad. One son, James J Murphy Jr of Warroad and a great granddaughter Lillyth A. Jensen also preceded her in death.

        She is survived by one brother Larry Firkus Bind, ON, her children Debra A. Murphy of Williams, Dawn M. (Rocky Fish) Murphy if Roosevelt, David E. ( Lori Schwab) Murphy of Eagen, MN, Christopher P. Murphy of Roseau, Carolyn J. (Robert) Smith of Lexington Park, MD, and Theresa J. ( Marshall) Lane of Williams. Her grandchildren Zachary M. Lawing of Statesville, NC. Kristi A. Gislason of Graceton, MN, Matthew A. (Cristie Frazer) Lawing of Clarksville, TN, Joshua P. Murphy of Hector, MN, Templeton S. Murphy of Hector, MN, Samantha H. Smith of Jacksonville, FL, Cassandra L.(Daniel) Jensen of RAF Mildenhall, England, Cory A. Murphy of San Jose, Cal, Thomas J.( Charlotte Steele) Murphy of Grand Forks, ND, Rachel M.M. Murphy of Lakeville, MN, Katey J. Murphy of Roseville, MN, Dakota S. Murphy of Garrison, MN and Caitlin M. Murphy of Garrison, MN. She leaves behind 14 great grandchildren, many nephews, nieces and cousins.

        A memorial service will be held Saturday Sept. 23rd  at 1pm at the Williams Community Church.   

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